April 2013: Getting Physical
Spring is here, and with it comes all the jitters and excitement of the approaching summer. What better time to get up and get active? This month's issue is all about physical games. Enjoy!
40 Game and Activity Ideas
When I ask the kids in our classroom, “What did you do over the weekend? Anything fun?” The same reply comes each time: “I played video games.” It’s becoming apparent to me that many of our kids are getting very little time (if any) outside, apart from school recess. Between the pasty skin, shaky hands and bloodshot eyes, it’s worrying me – to say the least.
A Sound Mind in a Healthy Body
As an exercise physiologist and retired teacher and now a board game designer, I’ve always believed that keeping both our kids’ minds and bodies active were critical in their development. A long time ago, people knew that a healthy body is a prerequisite for a healthy mind. Living by the famous Greek philosopher Thales, Mens sana in corpore sano, “A sound mind in a healthy body” is a great place to start.
Play and Human Development
This amazing article in the New York Times really drives home just how beneficial play is, and not just to us as individuals, but also to humanity in general. Here's a quote:
Studies suggest that free, self-directed play in safe environments enhances resilience, creativity, flexibility, social understanding, emotional and cognitive control, and resistance to stress, depression and anxiety.
GSL Episode 22: Buying Games
Welcome to episode 22, buying games. In this episode Giles and Don talk about building a game collection, as well as some of our experiences with buying games. Topics covered include collection development policies, building breadth and depth in a collection, collecting with a purpose, factors that help define what to get, dealing with wear and tear, the Jones theory, keeping track of popular games, donations, community and government grants, raising money, using your own collection, finding specials and discounts and thrift stores. We hope you enjoy the episode.
Substitute Teacher Organizes Game Club
Newsminer.com is running a story about Dan Talbot, a substitute teacher who set up an after-school game club. The club meets three times a week, and brings in as many as 16 kids. It's great to see, and a fantastic reminder that you don't have to be a full-time teacher to set up a game club with a school. Click here to read more.
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