FAQ: Games!

Information Specialists at the Learn and Serve America National
Service-Learning Clearinghouse have been compiling lists of resources to
answer questions frequently asked by callers on our toll-free number
(1-800-808-7378).  Each week one question is shared with
service-learning listservs, along with a list of resources we have
compiled for that question.  If anyone is aware of information on a
specific program or any another valuable resource not listed with an
FAQ, we would greatly appreciate hearing about it on the listserv and we
will add it to our growing list of resources.

This week’s question:
“Do you know of any games I could use to introduce service-learning to
students, or of any games that have been associated with/incorporated
into service-learning projects?”


The National Dropout Prevention Center has developed the following four
games related to service-learning.  They can be obtained by contacting
NDPC at Clemson University, 209 Martin Street, Clemson SC  29634; Phone:
864-656-2599; URL: http://www.dropoutprevention.org

Nuts and Bolts
A staff development game designed to enhance the awareness and training
of school and community program staff in service learning. ($35.00)

MI Game
The Multiple Intelligences Game is an innovative, cooperative learning
game for educators to explore multiple ways of teaching any concept or
skill. ($45.00)

Curriculum Connections
A game which provides a simulated experience to assist educators in
developing their skills for integrating service learning into the
curriculum. ($35.00)

Neighborhood Squares
This board game can play a role in preparing students in grades 4-12 for
service learning through simulated experiences. ($35.00)


Literature that presents game ideas

**Note: References cited below with an ED (ERIC document) number are
available in ERIC can be purchased through EDRS at:
https://orders.edrs.com/Webstore/Default.cfm or by calling 800 443-3742
(If you have access to a college/university library they may have these
items on microfiche, ask your librarian.)

Title: YES: Youth Engaged in Service Handbook for YES Advisors and Youth
Leaders.
Author: Nancy H. Powell
Date Published: 1993
Number of Pages: 98
Abstract: This is a collection of projects, games, and suggestions for
advisers and leaders of youth service groups. The goal of these
activities is to lead a group of high school age people through the
three "YES!" components: philanthropy, entrepreneurship; and volunteer
service.
Where to Obtain this Resource: Youth Engaged in Service, 6301 Ridge Dr,
Bethesda MD 20816-2639; Phone: 301-320-3211

ERIC No: ED248063
Title: Katimavik Participant's Manual, Book XI, Songs, Thoughts, Humour,
Doddle Art = Katimavik manuel du participant, cahier XI, chansons,
reflexions, humour, art du griffonnage.  Author: Crelinsten, Michael,
Ed.
Date Published: 1983
Number of Pages: 28
Abstract: The bilingual (French and English) booklet contains poems,
song lyrics, thoughts, humorous stories, riddles, and games used by
Katimavik, a nine-month volunteer community service learning and work
experience program for 17 to 21-year-old Canadians. The first six pages
of the document contain poems and song lyrics, some written in English,
and some in French; the remainder of the document is bilingual. The
booklet is illustrated with black and white "doodle art" drawings and
includes a page for recording names, addresses, and telephone numbers of
program participants. (NEC)

Title: Initiatives, Games, and Activities: an Experiential Guide.
Authors: Dan MacIver; Les McCarroll
Date Published: 1999
Number of Pages: 134
Abstract: The guide is based on the premise that individuals learn best
when they are participants and not spectators in the learning process.
It includes over 110 initiatives, games, and activities that promote
experiential learning. Entries include the purpose, materials needed,
description, cross references, and safety concerns (if necessary) of
each activity. (SH)
Where to Obtain this Resource: Kendall Hunt Publishing - Customer
Service, 4050 Westmark Dr, PO Box 1840, Dubuque IA 52004-1840; Phone:
800-228-0810; URL: www.kendallhunt.com

Title: Building Citizens: a Critical Reflection and Discussion Guide for
Community Service Participants
Author: Margo Shea
Date Published: 1998
Number of Pages: 319
Abstract: This guide is designed to help community service programs
incorporate a deliberative, civic dimension into their programs by
guiding participants in reflection that makes explicit connections
between service and critical, enlivened citizenship. Chapters include:
Common Thinking: From Me to We in Democracy, which provides games to
build strong group dynamics; Critical Thinking: From Narrative to
Analysis, which shows how individual members can talk about their
experiences and relate them to a wider context; and Complex Thinking
Service in a Broader Context, which includes short stories and articles
to help think more critically about the questions community service
might raise. (AT)
Where to Obtain this Resource: Walt Whitman Center for the Culture and
Politics of Democracy, Rutgers University, 89 George Street, New
Brunswick NJ 08901-1411; Phone: 732-932-6861

Title: Learning by Giving. K-8 Service Learning Curriculum Guide
Authors: Rich Cairn, Theresa L. Coble
Date Published: 1993
Number of Pages: 254
Abstract: Service learning provides a means to revitalize education by
transforming the relationship between communities and schools. This
guide provides teachers with the concrete tools needed to mobilize K-8
students in youth service programs. Part 1 introduces the concept of
service learning and outlines potential outcomes. Part 2 offers ideas
for starting a program including: scheduling, liability issues, family
involvement, team building, and reflection. Learner outcomes are linked
to specific curriculum areas. Describes initiative games to help
students learn basic skills for projects and provides handouts and
forms. Part 3 offers 15 sample activities grouped in K-2, 3-5, and 6-8
grade clusters and includes enrichment and remediation ideas. Reviews
developmental levels of children to help identify characteristics
students may bring to the experience. Part 4 lists supporting materials
and organizations in directory form. The overall guide is indexed by
topic and activities by issue area and academic subject.
Where to Obtain this Resource: National Youth Leadership Council, 1910 W
County Rd B, Roseville MN 55113-1337; Phone: 612-631-3672; URL:
http://nylc.org

Title: Cultivating Vision: The Believing Game
Author: Alan Shapiro
Date Published: 1992
Number of Pages: 9
Note: In “Social Issues in the English Language Classroom,” edited by
Mark Hurlbert and Samuel Totten (chapter 4, pp. 90-98).
Abstract: Shapiro describes The Believing Game, wherein the central
event is the act of affirming or entering into someone’s thinking or
perceiving by attempting to believe everything, no matter how unlikely
or repellent it may seem—to find virtues or strengths we might otherwise
miss. The idea behind the game is to promote continued thought about
social issues by suspending judgment, opening oneself to he strengths
and values of a perspective with which one does not agree, and working
at believing that perspective.  Although this chapter appears in a book
about the English Language classroom, the game can be adapted for
virtually any subject matter.
Where to Obtain this Resource: EDRS -- ERIC number is ED349574, or
National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W Kenyon Rd, Urbana IL
61801-1096; Phone: 800-369-6283; Email: orders@ncte.org; URL:
www.ncte.org

Title: Standing Tall Teaching Guides
Note: Guides are available for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12.
Author: The Giraffe Project
Date Published: 1993
Number of Pages: 196 (grades K-2); 163 (grades 3-5); 186 (grades 6-9);
202 (grades 10-12).
Abstract: These curriculum kits include lessons, activity sheets, and
classroom game ideas as well as videos that help students develop
confidence in their own abilities to take thoughtful, positive action
for the betterment of their community and to see service as an integral
part of their plans for meaningful lives.
Where to Obtain this Resource: Giraffe Project, 197 2nd St, PO Box 759,
Langley WA 98260; Phone: 360-221-7989; Fax: 360-221-7817; Email:
office@giraffe.org; URL: www.giraffe.org

Examples of games developed as service-learning projects

The Mississippi Grand Tour
Source: Booneville Middle School
Date: 1998
Abstract: This game was produced by students from the Booneville Middle
School and funded through Mississippi Learn and Serve America. Created
by students for students this game teaches children about wildflowers in
Mississippi. (AT)
Where to Obtain this Resource: Mississippi Department of Education,
Office of Community and Outreach Services, PO Box 771, Jackson MS
39205-0771; Phone: 601-359-3598; Email: gbowering@mde.k12.ms.us; URL:
www.mdek12.state.ms.us

Our Endangered Earth.
Source: Booneville Middle School
Date: 1998
Abstract: This game was produced by students from the Booneville Middle
School and funded through Mississippi Learn and Serve America. Created
by students for students this game teaches children about earth
conservation in Mississippi. (AT)
Where to Obtain this Resource: Mississippi Department of Education,
Office of Community and Outreach Services, PO Box 771, Jackson MS
39205-0771; Phone: 601-359-3598; Email: gbowering@mde.k12.ms.us; URL:
www.mdek12.state.ms.us


We hope this information is helpful.

Andrea Roufs
Information Specialist
Learn and Serve America
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
1-800-808-7378
http://umn.edu/~serve

**If you need assistance implementing service-learning programs, have
questions, or simply want to speak with someone who has "been there,"
you can utilize the Learn and Serve America Exchange as a resource. For
more information contact: 1-877-572-3924 or visit their website at
www.lsaexchange.org.