Role-playing games offer an excellent method for teaching children leadership skills. However, games must be designed to achieve maximum results. This article describes some tips for development and deployment. They benefit anyone who works with children (teachers, aides, camp counselors, etc.).
7 tips
- Determine the topics.
Here, the point is to first determine what you want the topic to be. Leadership is broad, but it must narrow the issue. Relevant topics related to leadership traits, for example, include self-control, respect, choices, compassion, trust, kindness, responsibility, character, honesty, courage, and gratitude. Also, brainstorm topics to cover with the children on leadership principles.
- List your goals.
Games offer fun and innovative ways to learn about a topic. Still, they must have clear and measurable goals. With that said, start by deciding what you want children to learn about each topic. Goals drive the design part of planning.
Examples of objectives are as follows: learn what leadership is and what is not, learn the qualities of good leaders, use the media, know different learning styles, engage, measure learning, or get feedback.
- Think of creative scenarios.
Once you’ve decided on the themes, the next step is to design the settings. Try to do at least two activities per topic. Why? Two strong activities that hit the spot will leave a lasting impression.
At the same time, how many children will participate in the activity? A role play can involve two people and observers, or it can involve the whole class. All in all, it depends on how you structure it. Will participants follow written instructions or answer questions or statements?
- Write messages / scripts.
A role play comprised instructions to say or do certain things. Therefore, it is imperative to write clear and concise prompts or scripts. For example, if you want a person to yell during role play, you should indicate this on the card or sheet of paper.
- Gather materials and supplies.
Be creative. The more dramatic the activity, the more likely the information will stick. Do you want the children to be dressed up? Do you need items (balls, marbles, colored stickers, note cards, etc.)? Will you need a laptop and screen to display pictures or information? Although it is a role play, the game can comprise elements to meet different learning styles.
- Write a lesson plan.
Think of each activity as part of the curriculum. Therefore, a one-page lesson plan is necessary. This overview sets out the name of the game, the objectives, the amount of time required, the materials, the step-by-step instructions, and the discussion questions. Finally, a written plan provides consistency and a roadmap for others to follow.
- Develop discussion questions.
In addition to generating discussion, questions help measure learning, clarify concepts, and obtain feedback. In addition, the latter gives an idea to improve the activity.
