Sessions 12
& 13: Game-Making
Goals:
· To review conflict resolution theory that was explored in previous sessions.
· To demonstrate to students the severity of violence as a conflict escalator.
· To demonstrate to students ways of averting violent confrontation
Typically, the creation of a 'Peace Game' occupies two sessions worth
of time--one for brainstorming and one for making the game. If time is a constraint, please make sure
that your class completes the Peace Game on their own (under classroom
teacher's supervision).
Materials Needed
à Make sure you have a pen and paper to record your class’ ideas
à Blank Peace by PEACE Class Puzzle/Quilt Piece
à Markers, pens, etc.
Methods:
I. Discussion of Peace in Peace by PEACE
I. Brainstorm a Game
II. Making the Game
III. Peace by P.E.A.C.E. Class Piece (may be done at the end of part 1)
IV. Final Closing Activity
THE LAST PEACE PHRASE:
Work together to solve conflicts.
Working together, you can create great things. Misunderstanding and miscommunication only cause division, while through cooperation, together you can do anything.
Discuss the Existing Games
Ask the students to recall their favorite game in the Peace by PEACE curriculum: The Sterotypin’ Game, Suuls vs. Ichtholonians, the Human Pretzel, Acting games, etc.
1. Why is this game a ‘Peace Game’?
2. Which of the Peace by PEACE concepts does it try to teach?
3. How did this game and the concept it was trying to teach change the way you thought about something in your daily life?
Brainstorm game ideas with the students. Try to elicit wacky, even wild suggestions.
When you have a good sized list, talk individually about each concept. Ask the following questions:
How it the game going to work?
1. What materials/ special things will we need?
2. What concept is the game trying to teach?
3. Is
the game especially complex/ hard to play/ need may materials?
and
the obvious:
4. Is the game going to be fun?
5. Can we get the game or a representation of it to the festival?
Teachers
should note that, although it is preferable to bring the completed game to the
festival, a representation will also work. For example, if your group designs a
game that has to be played outside, drawing of how the game field will be set
up or a model of people playing the game should be brought to the festival.
III.
Choose a Game
Concept
After going through the list, have the class choose a concept that they think is fun and will work. You should then:
· Discuss more fully how the game is going to work
· Go through the rules, if there are any
· Assign who is to bring in what for the next game-making session.
Part 2:
Making the Game
Objectives:
· Finish constructing the Peace Game and/or instructions on how to play the Peace Game.
· Create/ Decide how the game can be played by others during the festival
Materials Needed:
q Dependent on your group and their concept for their game
q Blank Peace by PEACE Puzzle/Quilt Piece
q Markers
q Paper
IV.
Construct the Game
Prepare the game for the festival. Students should design a poster explaining the rules and objectives of their Peace Game. They may or may not be present to explain their game to other students, so the poster is key!
V.
Peace by PEACE Class Piece
To inaugurate “Peace by PEACE”, each class will decorate a class puzzle/quilt piece. The pieces will be assembled and displayed at the upcoming Festival and other Festivals afterwards.
VI.
Final Closing
Activity
Congratulate the students for completing the curriculum. Congratulate yourselves too.
As much as Peace by PEACE was a team effort, peace begins with the individual. So Thank YOU!
We leave the final closing activity to your discretion, but here are some suggestions:
a) Gift-Giving: Sit in a circle. Each student states one thing that he/she would like to have in order to be a better problem solver. (i.e. I would like better listening skills). Then the entire class, says: I give you (insert item).
b) Inner Power[1]: Inner power begins with getting rid of negative thoughts. Have students take out a piece of paper. Rip the paper in half. Have the students write something negative about themselves, something that they fear, something that they wish they could change. No talking allowed. Then have the students crumple up the piece of paper and one by one, throw the paper into the trash can. Now, have the students write their name on the other half of the paper. Pass these papers around and each person must write something positive about the person whose name is at the top of the paper.
c) Reflection: Sit in a circle. Each student states one thing that he/she has learned about peaceful conflict resolution and why it is important. Discuss the year and what they liked best, disliked, wish we could have done better/more/less etc.
d) Class Creative Activity: Go around the room and have each student add to a class Peace poem or rap or dance.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Þ Tell the class when you will be visiting next. If this is your last class, tell them you will see them at the festival.
Þ Remind them how FUN the festival will be and WHEN the festival will be held.
Þ Thank the class and the classroom teacher!!