by

Games Have Characters

Learning Objectives

  • Lesson objectives
    • Introduce leadership roles
      Discuss characteristics of a good leader
      Understand the role of characters in games
      Think about how both how we appear and what’s inside us influences how others see us
  • Socioemotional learning objectives
    • Responsible
    • Planful
    • Cooperative

Materials

Instructions

  • Review
    • Remind campers of the five elements of games. Right now we will focus on characters. We experience the game through the eyes of the characters.
  • Characters traits
    • Ask campers to name a character from a game they’ve played recently and why they like that character.
    • What are some traits you associate with the characters in games you play?
    • Characters in games allow us to be different from the people we are in real life. But sometimes perceptions of gamers are not the best. What are some traits you associated with being a gamer?
    • Here we want to be playful gamers. Playful means we have certain traits. We cooperative, creative, responsible, planful, and welcoming. Pass around the pages with each term and ask campers to write a word or example of what each term means. When everyone has had it sheet, share some.
    • What's the difference between these traits and the traits we associated with being a gamer?
    • Note to campers that they can help shift the perceptions of gamers by being playful.
    • Hang up the pages by the leaderboard.
  • Leadership roles 
    • Note that in cooperative games, players play different roles. 
    • As playful gamers, we are responsible. Share that everyone will have the chance to take on different roles each day at the camp. Explain that these roles help make the camp experience even more enjoyable and organized. 
    • Briefly describe each role using the leadership role poster. Encourage campers to ask questions about any role they find interesting or want to know more about.
      • Timekeeper: give five minute warnings and alert the group when it's time for a new activity
      • Materials Scientist: keep materials organized and lead regular clean-ups
      • Sound Engineer: manage Alexa and general sound volume
      • Games Captain: suggest and lead games when the group needs something new to do
      • Swing: fill in when others need a substitute
    • We are also planful and cooperative. That means we want to be very specific about what each role means. We also want to consider the needs and feelings of others.
    • Have campers define the specific responsibilities of each role. Prompt them with questions such as:
      • When does this person take action?
      • How do they communicate with other campers?
      • What happens if someone doesn't listen to them?
      • What skills or qualities would be useful for this role?
      • How can this role contribute to a positive camp experience?
      • Are there any challenges or responsibilities specific to this role?
    • Have campers to write down their ideas on the index cards or sticky notes. Put these on the leadership role poster. 
    • Assign campers their first role and give them their badges.
  • Help campers put their Games Have Characters achievement on their leaderboard slot.

Notes and Discussion

Discussion

  • Throughout camp, call attention to excellent performance in roles and add sticky notes to the role chart as necessary.

Notes

  • Level Pendants always go on the top of the sash. Achievements can go anywhere, but remind campers to save space for later in the week.