Game Time
Why Game?
Relationship and Trust
Often, through game time, relationships and trust are built. The fun experience is the lasting memories.
Spiritual Growth
A fun game time encourages children to develop characters - like respect for leaders and teammates, fairness, good attitude.
How does game time help us grow spiritually?
RESPECT
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
Kids should learn to listen to both the leaders and the game director.
FAIRNESS
“A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.” Proverbs 16:11
Helping kids to think through what is happening rather than being quick with accusations.
3. GOOD ATTITUDE
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Philippians 2:14
Encouraging kids to be content and not complain.
4. RESPECT FOR TEAMMATES
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Philippians 2:14
Encouraging kids to work together as a team and to cheer each other on, not leaving someone out or making fun of their abilities.
Tips and Techniques
How to lead a game?
Be Excited - The number one rule for how to lead games is to show excitement for the activity both before and during the game. By actively showing you are looking forward to the activity, others will follow your lead.
Set Clear Rules - Keep rules simple and clear for children. Explain steps by steps. Ask questions to check for understanding. Demonstrate the game,
Involve leaders - invite leaders to demonstrate the game.
Keep everyone involved - No leaders should be standing by the side. Every leaders should get involved and be engaged in the games. Help the shy children to engage by accompanying them and be their partner.
Be decisive - be decisive and ready to make adjustments
eg. if time runs out, adjust the rule to make the game run faster.
The R.E.P. model
Use attention grabbers to gather group attention before explaining game.
If you hear me… do action
If you hear me clap once, if you hear me clap twice
Match me <an action>
R - ready
Assess play area
Define boundaries
Remove items that might post safety risk
Set up equipment
E - explain rules
Use loud and clear voice
Ask questions to check for understanding
Eg Say “what happens when I say…”
P - play the game
Play
Modify the game
What needs to be clarified
What needs to change to add variety
Attendance Grabber
For example:
If you hear me... <do action>
If you hear me, clap once. If you hear me clap twice.
Use rhythm
Clap your hands in rhythm
3. Turn on / off the light in the room
Conflict Resolution
Respect - Create a respectful environment, encourage teamwork and positivity
Prevent - use techniques to prevent conflicts from escalating, use Rock Paper Scissors
Redirect - create team instead of letting children pick, redirect misbehavior by giving a child a job or task