The play's the thing

Grade 9 students recently took a trip down memory lane as part of an exciting design challenge in their MYP studies. Their mission? To create a game that would entertain younger children while also helping them learn.

The results were imaginative, inventive, and great fun. From classic board games with a modern twist to all-in-one game packs, portable activity bags, and creative takes on traditional jigsaws, students demonstrated that there is no shortage of bright ideas when it comes to play.

Before putting their designs together, students researched how games support learning and development. Sensory activities offered engaging experiences for the youngest children, while other games focused on building motor skills, literacy, and numeracy. Some ambitious designers even managed to combine all three into a single game! For older children, strategy, problem-solving, and quick thinking took centre stage, with many games proving instantly captivating.

Among the standout creations was a game tube packed with activities focused on telling the time, spelling, colours, and pattern recognition. Other students cleverly designed games that stored neatly inside the game board itself. At the upper end of the age range, one group created a three-dimensional model of Manhattan that transformed a traditional jigsaw into a unique building challenge. Another team reinvented a simple dice game by requiring players to complete certain moves without using their hands and to construct carefully balanced towers with their playing pieces.

Of course, the challenge did not stop at the ideas stage. Students were also required to build working prototypes, bringing their concepts to life through woodworking, clay modelling, and a range of other craft techniques.

The project showcased not only creativity and design thinking but also plenty of teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on skill. Most importantly, it provided a highly enjoyable play session that proved learning and fun can be a perfect combination.