| | | Featured Columns COMMUNITY GAMES DAY
by Giles Pritchard
If you're reading this newsletter, chances are you've probably already thought about doing a games day. The thing that sets Giles' event apart is how he involved the students. His Game Ambassadors program is sheer genius. Whether you've run your own games day or not, you want to read this account for ideas.
Read More! GAME REVIEW: BLUNDERS
by Karen Luciana
Imagine having a game reviewed by a professional teacher specifically for classroom use. Tough to beat, right? Check out Karen's review of Blunders to see what she thinks of the game, as well as how you can use it in your classroom.
Read More! NO TURNS?
by Nate Scheidler
Nate looks at an interesting idea here. Do you hate waiting for your turn? How about a game where there are no turns? Great idea.
Read More! THE MISSING COLUMNIST?
Graeme is out this month, but for good reason. He's busy with the release of HL Games' Beadecked and Go Mental SACRAMental. I had a chance to see Beadecked in action at this past ToyFair. Gorgeous Game!
Great Stories From the Web Turn off the Screen Week
Here's a fascinating event: Turn off the Screen week starts April 20th. If you missed it, don't worry. They're having another one in September. The idea is to get everyone away from their TVs and computers. Even better? Patch products is pitching in with some free games! Ya gotta love that!
Read More! The Serious Need for Play
Scientific American weighs in with their opinion of the benefits of play. If you're looking for some heavy reading, this is the place for you.
Read More! Funagain Sponsoring $100 Grants!
Here's a fascinating opportunity. Looking for $100 to spend on games? Of course you are.
Read More!
We Couldn't Have Said It Better: “Play engages the prefrontal cortex, feeding our highest cognitive functions…Play improves our ability to reason and to understand the world…Play can be a powerful tool for allowing people to develop creative capacity and cognitive health.” - Cognitive Fitness, published in the Harvard Business Review | | | NEWS FROM THE EDITOR What a great April! We've got some great articles to celebrate Spring. Whether it's Giles' fantastic games day ideas, Karen's well-targetted game review, or Nate's piece on games without turns, there's something here for you.. Speaking of for you, if you haven't seen our game database yet, you should definitely take a peek. Where else can you search for a game based on educational value?
AUDIO In case you haven't heard, we host a fantastic podcast called Teaching Strategies. Click here to take a listen!
CONTESTS Win $100 of Games!
Out of the Box is back with their fantastic story contest. Tell us your story about how you use games in education. It can take place anywhere - a classroom, your home, a library, even a doctor's office.
Post your story now!
Our Sponsors! Please remember our sponsors... They help us keep bringing this wonderful free content to you month after month. In no particular order, they are: Zillio Games Zillio makes a fascinating Math Mountain game that you simply must check out. Indigo® Instruments: Create your own games from a wide variety of science lab supplies! Griddly Games: Check out WiseAlec™ and laugh the night away! WildCraft: Learn about herbs while you play! Family Pastimes Games designed by Jim Deacove to help reinforce sharing attitudes and good values! |
Newsletter for April, 2009
