Game On: Learning Life Skills One Play at a Time

Funded Jul 28, 2024

Thank you again for contributing to my Donors Choose project, "Game On: Learning Life Skills One Play at a Time"! When my students first saw the board games and playing cards, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many of them eagerly gathered around the games, expressing enthusiasm about playing their favorite ones or trying new ones they hadn't seen before. There was a noticeable buzz in the room as they discussed which games they wanted to play and how much fun it would be to use them during class. Some students even started talking about strategies they had learned from playing at home, showing immediate engagement and interest. It was clear that these new materials sparked not only excitement but also a sense of anticipation for learning in a different, more interactive way.

We use the board games and playing cards in weekly gameplay sessions to enhance communication and collaboration among my students. One memorable moment was during a game of Monopoly. As the students played, they not only strategized about property purchases but also discussed concepts related to financial literacy, such as budgeting, risk-taking, and long-term planning. I watched them negotiate trades, calculate rent payments, and make decisions about saving versus spending, which tied into our lessons on financial responsibility. This experience helped students apply real-world financial concepts in a fun, competitive setting while also improving their teamwork and communication skills.

I am looking forward to playing games with my students throughout the school year to further develop essential life skills.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Wyatt