Of Course You Can Bring Your Board Games!!

Recently I began telling my students that for "Fun Fridays" (the last two periods) they can bring board games from home. At first, I'm sure there were some eyebrows raised as to why my students can bring games to school - especially when in September, I had a special section in my classroom outline indicating: "Dear Parents: please do not send any toys or games with your child to school. Thanks! (BOLD and underlined).


One day on a whim, I had my students bring in a game one of the last days in December for something a little "extra" they could do during their choice time.

Choice time is always an interesting time to conduct observations and look and students' social interactions. There would be a group at Lego, a few kids drawing and the occasional group wandering about switching from activity to activity. I started to think that maybe I just didn't have enough games for them in the room to keep them interested. So...bring a board game from home was a new idea. I figured maybe something different and enew might peak their interested and they would be more attentive (aka: cause less wandering and moving from choice to choice).

Well, what have I found with my little "Bring a Board Game To School" experiment????  LOTS!

There are so many social skills being developed through board games that looking back, I would make it a routine event every Friday from the beginning.

My students were so excited for so many reasons!

For the students who brought in the game (maybe 2 - 4 kids per week)
- they felt proud that they had this game to share with their peers
- they could talk about the game, describe the rules, explain what happens if, etc.
- sharing with others & providing a fun experience for their peers

For students who were enjoying the board games:
- they learned how to play something new / acquire a new skill
- trying something new / taking risks
- encouraged students to play with different kids (mixed groups)
- assist in cleaning up (providing help and support to student who brought the game)
- active listening
- thanked the students who brought in their game to share with others

For all students:
- positive social play and interaction
- sharing
- respect for other peoples' property
- turn taking
- learning how to agree, disagree, ask questions, seek clarification
- learning new skills required by the game (counting, problem solving, critical thinking, etc).

As a teacher, this is a great way for me to jump in and PLAY with the kids!
I loved kicking back, enjoying a few laughs (all part of that personal connection and relationship with kids)!
It was also helpful for me to assist others who needed modelling for positive social interaction.


I know that I defnitely look forward to Board Game Fridays - so, I'm sure my kids do to!
With all the learning that takes place- it would be silly not to! :)
-N