Before students can start changing the base game to fit your lesson material, they have to know how to play it. In this first stage, they'll learn the rules and take some time to play.
This doesn't have to take a full class period! My goal was to choose base games that are playable in 30 minutes or less. I have worked with students who learned the rules and played the game (or at least enough of the game) within only 25 minutes.
To make it easy to learn, I link to the written rule documents and I include short videos that explain how to play. You'll find those resources in the Game Design Project Pack for the base game you choose to work with.
Here are some general tips to make sure you get this part of the project off to a good start:
- Print enough copies of the games for the students to all be able to play. Most games will be for groups of three or four students. Directions for making the components are in the Game Design Project Pack specific for the game you choose.
- Watch the video about how to play and carefully read the rules before you teach it to students. If possible, play it yourself or at least take a few turns using the cards and other components.
- Show the students the video and summarize it. Address any questions they have before you set a class loose to play.
- For students old enough to read the rules, be sure they have access to the full text version in case they have questions. It's great experience for them to figure it out on their own just from the text.
- Be prepared to answer tougher rule questions for students the first time they start playing. Most of the games use cards with special effects. Until they get the terms clear, they might be confused by even the simplest directions on the cards.
After students have learned the game, it's time to redesign it! Click here to learn about the Make Stage.
