The Game Generator™ 

The theory of generating games has been around for decades. The benefits are widespread.

What children get:

  • An outlet for creative and imaginative play
  • Shared decision-making/problem-solving opportunities
  • Group problem-solving opportunities
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Feelings of accomplishment
  • Peer recognition
  • Hours of fun
  • A foundation of core values
  • Self-discipline
  • Perseverance and inner growth
  • Develop traits for truthfulness, integrity, and trust

What the community gets:

  • Healthier, happier children of character who are contributing members of society


Game Generator™ activity kit


Game Generator™ workbook

Guiding Principles

The Game Generator™ is user-friendly and provides an arena for children to practice behavior that promotes these guiding principles:

1. Humor

The design of the game promotes humor through play.

2. Engaging

Learning how to pleasantly invite others to participate and play, versus demand or play, becomes a very attractive trait. Offering others a choice is very well received

3. Sensitivity & Responsiveness

The Game easily allows the players to change direction in responses to the groups needs. Sensing an individual or groups feelings, and then adapting to those needs, allows the game to evolve and shape around the players

4. Openness & Style

The setting of these Games is quite relaxed and the environment allows for a leader to say, “I made a mistake, can we try it this way” and there are no hard feelings. Every leader develops his/her own unique flair for leading a game, or simply gathering a group’s attention.

5. Clarity of Presentation

Depending if this becomes a large group or small group, the leader will need to monitor his/her voice as they Describe, Demonstrate, Ask Questions, Play the Game and of course, Adapt.

6. Empowerment

The Game Generator may start with a leader, or set of leaders, but as the game progresses, the initial leaders become part of the process. The Players, become empowered to take leadership and control, thus direction of the play. Leadership skills can also be gained through teaching the game to younger players.

7. Role Models

People in leadership roles are often looked up to by others. This provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate positive traits and behaviors to help influence other children.

8. Think on Your Feet

Opportunities for fast problem solving

 

The New Games Training Manual, 1977, was used to reference some of the above information.

Depending on the participants’ developmental level (young, old, quick slow, active, inactive), a game can be changed to meet the group’s needs and interests.

Used effectively in:

  • Schools
  • After School Programs
  • Youth Centers
  • Camps
  • Day Cares
  • Recreation Programs

The Game Generator provides unique problem-solving experiences with each game created. Just look at all the positive benefits when a child is faced with a problem-solving experience!

For more information, please contact CECR.

Home | Power of Play | The Game Generator
Training | References and Resources