Learning through Play

What does PLAY mean to you?

A brainstorming session with our contributors led to the depiction below of the importance of play. Traditional games are an integral part of play-based learning. Using Blackfoot words associated with play and games can support language learning.

Traditional games

Playing traditional games fosters opportunities for learning about Blackfoot ways of being and knowing. (Find links to additional resources here.)

Traditional game teachings are grounded in history, the land, and the experiences of the ancestors. Some values and skills learned through traditional games include:

  • Generosity

  • Trust

  • Intuition

  • Confidence

  • Patience

Traditional games also create opportunities for language learning. The teachings inspired by traditional game play are consistent with Blackfoot pedagogy that focuses on learning key values through action and experience. They are also consistent with linguistic research, which shows that movement and embodiment encourages the types of neurological development needed for language learning.


Learn more about the following traditional games:

Some words for games and play

sapaatsimaapii 'to be in harmony, with our rules'

isspommaani'tapi ‘helping others’


ihtawa'pssi 'to be lucky'

Kítsstawa'pssi 'you were lucky'

Nítaihtawa'pssi 'I am lucky'


Aistóót! "Come here!"

Póóhsapoot! "Come towards me!"

Kaano'takit! 'Catch it!'


There is also vocabulary associated with specific games: