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Section: Beyond this Planet Home > For Teachers > Practical Pointers > Review Games
REVIEW GAMES
Why have games and quizzes?
- They are a great way of boosting attendance. Kids love them!
- They are an aid to discipline. Positive behaviour can be rewarded by extra turns, bonus points, etc.
- They encourage team co-operation.
- They review the lesson material in a fun way.
- They assess the effectiveness of the teaching.
- They provide a more relaxed element to the meeting, a time to let off steam!
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What is a good game?
Every quiz, game or competition should be judged again guidelines which
will asses its value for use.
- Is the goal of the game one of those listed above?
- Is the goal worth the time, effort and money spent on it?
- Will the excitement generated overshadow the ultimate purpose? For example, is there a danger that the excitement and competitive element will cause the Scripture teaching to be overlooked? Careful handling is needed.
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Prizes and Rewards
- It may be that these are best left until an end of term prize-giving.
- Sweets can be a distraction. Those who win them want to eat them immediately. Those who haven't any often look on longingly and are distracted from further teaching.
- If rewards are given each week the same children may win most of the prizes.
- If rewards are inexpensive they may be cionsidered of little worth. Might it not be better to conserve funds and give more worthwhile prizes at the end of term?
- If rewards are necessary to keep the excitement and motivation in a quiz or review game, then something vital must be lacking in the presentation of the game.
- Children can become addicted to prizes and become indifferent to small ones, wanting bigger and better ones.
- One alternative is to award points for attendance, bringing a friend, bringing a Bible, answering in the quiz, helpfulness, handwork, etc. This way many talents are rewarded, not just the ability to answer questions. You could have a winner each week or, better still, roll the points over for a month, or term.
[TOP] Come back soon. We will have more pointers on Review Game uploaded before long.