In a previous school age group, Krista-Ann created a school friendly in real life “Among Us” game. Among Us is a computer multiplayer game that has gained popularity since the pandemic. It was a great way to connect with peers during lock down periods. Among us is a mystery game that takes place on a space ship. Players are either assigned as a crew mate who must complete tasks in a set time frame or assigned an imposter who eliminates players and sabotage tasks. When a player discovers one of their crew mates has been eliminated (a ghost) they call meeting. At the meeting they try to figure out what happened and who did it. The term they use is, “you are sus” which is short for you are suspicious.
The children became very enthusiastic about the possibility of playing the game with their peers. To start, School Age-2 began creating their characters through illustration. They decided on character colours for space suits, and accessories. To bring their creations to life - make wearable items and expand on their ideas further, the educators provided a larger variety of craft materials. This included; cardboard, fabric, and tape along with the paint sticks and markers we had on the cart already. Very quickly the children were inspired to make crowns, helmets, cat ears, gloves, suits and armour. Children even came to the after-school program wearing Among Us shirts, sweaters and socks.
As they worked on cutting the thick cardboard, they further developed their finger strength and dexterity while also challenging their minds. They immersed themselves in the creative process of designing their accessories and engaged in problem solving skills on how they can manipulate the material to bring their ideas to life.
This month we got to play 7 rounds of the game, including one round outdoors. This game will strengthen skills in: collaboration - working together as a team to complete the games tasks, communication - public speaking and turn taking, active listening, patience, and following instructions. Already the educators have noticed improvements in their abilities.
We are slowly building upon the games tasks and developing ways to incorporate real materials to bring the game to life. So far, we have added a real red button to call crew mate meetings, a button for a dance part task, and wooden wire/switch boards for the wire connecting task.
Stay tuned for Among us inspired paper mâché masks!
