HOW TO CREATE A GAME

There are many ways to create an original game. It is imperative that you begin the creation process with a learning objective. Ask yourself: what should the children know and/or be able to do as a result of this game? Once you know your objective, ask yourself: what are the best ways to meet this objective while maximizing participation, fitness, movement, cooperation and fun; are you meeting the needs of all your students, regardless of ability; and is there some way to assess the game? Use the Guidelines and Categories below to help you become a master games creator.

Guidelines

1. Change an existing game. For example, instead of a traditional relay race, let the students keep moving until a designated amount of time is over. Give them points for completing each task. Repeat, and attempt to beat their previous score.
2. Use current books, TV shows, movies, and recreational games for ideas. For example, make up a game based on Harry Potter (Quidditch), Spider Man, Deal or No Deal, The Amazing Race, Traditional Kickball, Checkers, etc.
3. Modify one or more rules to improve participation, skill building or added movement. For example, instead of playing traditional volleyball, use stations, play volleyball tag (a tagged person may re-enter the game upon receiving a specific volleyball pass from another player), allow the ball to bounce once, allow unlimited passes, allow only the forearm pass, play "Cooperative Volleyball" (any way that allows teams to work together) or play "Crazy Volleyball" (the ball remains in play as long as it is not rolling).
4. Modify distances or heights to suit the players. For example, set up hoops attached to a string as a target for shooting basketballs. The young, small or less powerful student will be able to use the proper shooting technique. Allow students to choose their own distances. For example, set up poly spots at various distances from a target and allow the students to choose a distance based on ability
5. Add and/or modify equipment. Two additional soccer goals and three additional soccer balls transforms ordinary soccer into an exciting new game of "Four Corner Soccer." Using soccer ball trainers or foam type balls allows for safer participation.
6. Use the maximum amount of equipment available. Games become more exciting when participants have something to manipulate and they do not have to wait a long time for a turn. Traditional "Kickball" uses one ball for the whole class. Instead, use many balls and play several simultaneous games. Instead of having four or five lines practicing dribbling a basketball, give everyone a ball (substitute playground balls if not enough basketballs) and play a game of "Dribble Tag" or "Knock Away" (players try to knock someone else's ball away while dribbling their own ball).
7. Play small-sided games. Rather than playing one large game like "Line Soccer," play small-sided games. Use the width of the play area for more room.

Most games fit into certain Categories. Here is a descriptive list of the main categories:

1. Tag or Dodge Ball (similar to tag, but with a ball) - chasing and fleeing.
• Progressive - one person starts as "it." Each person tagged becomes an "it" until everyone or most are tagged.
• Joining a Group - one person starts as "it." Each person tagged joins hands, links elbows, holds waist, and so on until everyone becomes part of the group. The group may split into smaller groups.
• Prisoner - team tag in which the tagged person becomes a prisoner (with a way to escape), or joins the other team.
• Infinity - allowing the tagged person to get back in the game.
• Everyone's It - each person tries to tag anyone else while trying to avoid being tagged. If tagged: change locomotor skill, change direction, do an activity, or simply count how many times you were tagged and try to do better the next round.
2. Team Goals or Points as in Basketball, Soccer or Volleyball.
3. Individual Goals or Points as in Bowling, Tennis or Archery.
4. Races - getting from point A to point B. Races may be individual (timed), relay, group or partner.
5. Judging - as in Skating or Gymnastics
6. Guessing - as in Indian Chief or Concentration.
7. Following Directions - as in Orienteering or Movement questions.
8. Hiding and Finding - as in Hide and Seek or finding hidden objects.

Combine the guidelines and the categories to create an original game. In addition, mix and match guidelines and categories. Here is an example of game creation from start to finish: I want to create a game that will help the class improve their spatial awareness and aerobic endurance. I know a game called "Duck Duck Goose." I change the game so that all children are moving at once in general space. I give a soft implement to three or four players. They skip while saying "duck" or "goose" as they touch others with the implement who are also skipping in general space. When they say "goose," they drop the implement at that student's feet. The tagged student picks up the implement and tries to re-tag the person who just said "goose" to them. After tagging that person, s/he becomes the new tagger. I call this game "Moving Duck Duck Goose." Additionally, I can work on ball handling skills by giving everyone a ball they can dribble. I assess this game by observing: are the students using all the space available; are the students moving continuously with control; are the students cooperating by playing fair and following the rules; and are all the students having fun - not just the athletes?

Finally, when creating an original game, be brave and try anything that may increase interest and fun or that changes the teaching focus, and then continue to modify it until the game achieves its goal. Enjoy!