Sharon deVries, a 7th grade teacher in Canada, used one of my favorite board games to teach children social studies. I wish I could have played Settlers of Catan in my school! The idea was to teach her students about resources, trade, exploration and economy.
For those who have never played, Settlers of Catan is a resourced-based board game. Players can build towns, roads and cities. Each roll of the dice impacts which resources are collected by a given player – it’s not enough to have a town next to a source of stone, the roll of the dice determines if you actually receive any stone that turn! Players are allowed to trade with each other, or steal from each other if they “build” a knight card. Add booze and hilarity (or rage) ensues.
And now it’s being used to teach kids stuff, who seem to be learning a little about how the world works. With insightful tidbits like:
You don’t always have everything you need to build.
or this tactful child’s
Trading helps, but others have separate agendas.
I can only imagine the betrayals that took place in that 7th grade classroom. My games were always filled with swearing, swindling and deceit. But hey, we were old enough to understand the importance of getting clay to make bricks – how else can you cut someone’s road off and screw them out of “the longest road” card? Best these 7th graders learn these life lessons sooner rather than later.
Last Updated: April 30, 2013
Sargon
April 30, 2013 at 12:09
Starcraft taught me many of the same key life lessons when I was a child. Nothing like a 8 player map, limited resources, and only one winner to take home the R100 (a lot of cash when I was 14) to turn a bunch of friends into crazies. I’m pretty sure these kids are learning valuable lessons!
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 30, 2013 at 12:10
Opportunity!!!
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 30, 2013 at 12:14
Would love me some LotR RISK!!!!
Twakkie
April 30, 2013 at 12:33
Yes RISK or also known as “The Friendship Annihilator”. According to the reviews LotR RISK wasnt that good. I still want to get RISK Legacy. Now that looks interesting.
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 30, 2013 at 12:37
Played LotR RISK once, want to again, was very enjoyable, but perhaps it was becoz of the beers we had. mmmm, mebbe I’m just lus for some beers.
*runs of to test theory*
Twakkie
April 30, 2013 at 12:43
Hmmmm beeeeeeer…. the nectar of the gods!
Rince da Ref Lvl2
April 30, 2013 at 12:18
And now they use Simcity, to show children that having the internet is in fact 100% totally fucking necessary!
Sargon
April 30, 2013 at 12:19
Lol.
Etienne Le Roux
April 30, 2013 at 12:27
I love this game sooo much!! If boardgames are your cup O tea , then check out this awesome game called Last night on Earth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLU2-BuhMI) to check the vid on Youtube
I think Lazy gamer should review/preview some boardgames. Its definitely growing in popularity in SA 🙂
Brady miaau
April 30, 2013 at 13:23
yeah, my wife and I play board-games with friends, while I play electronic games
Admiral Chief Erwin
April 30, 2013 at 12:32
DeVries Ambulance?
umar bastra
April 30, 2013 at 12:33
….DeVries?
Anon A Mouse
April 30, 2013 at 13:05
Nuff said:
Brady miaau
April 30, 2013 at 13:23
awesome, was planning on going there