Back to Games Unit Activities

Family Game Time Stories

25 minutes
Whole Class
Sharing

Learning Objectives

  • Share family experiences and traditions
  • Recognize similarities and differences in families
  • Practice storytelling skills
  • Build connections between home and school

Preparation

  • Send note home asking families to share game stories with children
  • Prepare chart paper for recording games
  • Set up cozy sharing area
  • Have your own family game story ready to share

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1
    Gather in sharing circle
  2. 2
    Share your own family game story first
  3. 3
    Invite children to share games they play with family members
  4. 4
    Ask questions: 'Who taught you this game?' 'When do you play it?'
  5. 5
    Record different family games on chart paper
  6. 6
    Notice similarities: 'Three families play dominoes!'
  7. 7
    Celebrate differences: 'What interesting games our families play!'
  8. 8
    Thank children for sharing their family stories

Materials Needed

  • Family photos (optional)
  • Chart paper
  • Markers
  • Comfortable seating area

Assessment

  • Child shares family game experience
  • Child listens respectfully to others
  • Child shows interest in different family traditions
  • Child makes connections between families

Key Vocabulary

family
tradition
story
share
different
same
special

Safety Notes

  • Respect family privacy
  • Create inclusive environment for all family types

Teaching Tips

  • Be sensitive to different family structures
  • Include all types of family games
  • Help children who may be shy about sharing
  • Connect games to cultural backgrounds

Extensions

  • Invite family members to demonstrate games
  • Create family game book with photos and stories
  • Learn games from different families
  • Map where different games come from