Resources to teach strategy game design
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Teaching Games to each other (the Students)

After students play the initial games, then do the Quick Game Workshop, then I have them each learn and game. I sort them into groups (based on game mechanics) and they take turns teaching each other their game. Over the course of three or four days (depending on group size), they play everyone's game. Then, I remix the groups, and they teach their game again and play more games.

Reasons for this:
  1. To design a game, you have to be a gamer (of sorts). This lets them experience a wide range of games.
  2. To see how different game mechanics are incorporated into different games. This helps them figure out what mechanics they want to use. 
  3. Reading a rule book, and teaching a game to others, are important skills. This helps them practice their communication skills, both as the speaker and the listener.
You can access the Google Doc version of the packet with student documents HERE.

Teach a Game: Board Games Groups Sorted by Mechanics & Remixes
You can use this as a guide. I've taken fun games that are innovative and have a wide variety of mechanics, and sorted them into groups so each cluster of students will experience a wide variety of mechanics, then I remix them and they play them all again.

Steps for Students:
Your task is to teach a game to your gaming group.   Here’s what you need to do:
  1. Learn the game.
    1. Read ALL of the rules.
    2. (optional) Go to www.boardgamegeek.com and look up the game.  Watch tutorial videos if you like.  Let Ms. Mercury know if there’s a rules or reference document you would like to have printed.
  2. Setup and play the game by yourself if possible. Some games are hard to understand without doing this.
  3. Prepare to teach the game by completing the How To Teach A Game Notes document to serve as a quick reference. Be sure to write down the game mechanics!
  4. As you play games, fill out the Games I've Played Log as you play all games, including for your game.
  5. After playing all games, fill out the Games I've Played Self-Reflection and turn this packet in.
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