Joy C. Blanton, Lamar Elementary, Lamar, CO
SSSH -- SUCCESSFUL, SIMPLE SIMULATION, HASSLE-FREE
Appropriate for grade 5.
OVERVIEW: This game has been successful in introducing conflict
situations or comparative systems. SSSH has been especially good
in introducing intermediate age students to the American
Revolutionary War. It is non-threatening, emotionally charged
with interaction by individuals and teams. By using the game the
students will experience key concepts and terms, such as
authority, value, laws, fairness and conflict. With adaptations,
the game can be used for different subjects, different age levels
and/or different objectives.
PURPOSE: Knowledge is internalized. Throughout the year the
experience of the game can be used as a reference point, such as
"Do you remember how you felt when....?" The debriefing session
is the KEY. Players communicate and explore who did what to whom,
when and why. Anticipation of potential aggressive or
inappropriate behavior can be easily dispelled.
OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:
1. Analyze their own behavior in a group in terms of cooperation
and communication.
2. Compare interactions among groups and then relate to other
social groups.
3. Discuss ways to resolve conflicts, establish control/
authority to meet needs.
ACTIVITIES: Students have become accustomed to games, especially
those of the traditional spelling bee. Divide the class into
three groups or allow to select teams. You will place on the
chalkboard or overhead projector the rules of a spelling bee.
You, the teacher, will keep the score on the chalkboard or easily
seen scoreboard. The spelling word list should be devised to
allow a close scoring game, but a clear and unqualified winning
team is needed. The time needed to complete the game is set to
meet your needs, but the debriefing is critical and must take
place immediately at the end of the game. For example, each
member of a team will spell twice or the team with the highest
score at the end of ten minutes. If you wish the time can be left
unannounced and the teacher can stop the game when the "mood" is
set.
At the end of the first game allow the winning team to meet
without being seen or heard by the other two teams. Their agenda
is to establish the rules for the next spelling bee. The teacher
will stay with the other two teams, discussing general subjects,
but not the outcome of the game. When the winning team returns,
place their rules on the chalkboard. Usually the team maintains
fair rules. With a clean scoreboard, play another spelling bee.
It is the duty of the teacher to have the same team win, but to
not be obvious in achieving this situation. The winning team
meets away from the other teams. This time when you ask them to
establish the rules encourage them to set rules that would allow
them to win again. Tell the other two team that they may not
verbally complain to the winning team. However, the two team
captains can write persuasive notes to the other team.
(Persuasive, but not obscene.) Usually a student on one of the
losing teams will start to grumble or wish to leave the game. This
student will explain to fellow members that there is NO way to
win. If this does not happen, ask a student to start the action.
At this time the game is declared over and the students are
reminded it was a game. Start the debriefing. It must happen now
when emotions are at the summit. Make a list of actions,
reactions, what was fair, what was unfair. Within a few minutes
one or more students will begin to see similarities of the
simulation to war. Few will exactly know the Revolutionary War so
well that the simulation will be without value.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: Students, list and chalkboard are
needed if the game meets your needs.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This game is pliable to meet your needs
and it is a fun learning experience. This game has worked for me
and helped at least a thousand young people begin to understand
America's fight to establish a new country and a new form of
government.
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org