Thinking in pairs

Do you play games ‘outloud’? Can you see what another person is thinking?

Instead of playing card games like Uno where you hold all of your cards up in your hand spread out so that the other person / players can’t see them, neatly organise them in a line on the table so that everyone can see everyone else’s cards. The proof of what you have is then very very very easy to see as it is public knowledge. Each step that you make or each decision that you take is then visible to others who can then comment on what is happening and given precise detailed feedback as to whether that is a good move or not. Playing these games with siblings is helpful first before playing with unfamiliar people who don’t know you as well such as other kids from school. Family friends are also able to comment and provide feedback when over for barbeque’s when there is a different group of people to play together. Feedback from such a diverse range of people is extremely helpful but care needs to be taken not to overwhelm anyone who is learning for the first time how to play. Playing games visibly like this allows new language skills to develop that ‘match’ the actual game being played, which then allows for transference of those skills to other similarly structured games. Playing ‘out loud’ is an extremely helpful way to start off with any type of game. Kids and families can find huge enjoyment and show where the love is for these types of games with repeated play.