Blog Archives
Badge: Printables – My Games
Creativity is needed to create your own games. You can incorporate standards such as cards and dice. Or you might choose to create your own accessories. I’ve provided some printables to start creating your own printable games. The end product is up to you.
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Steps
1. Type of game.
Not all games are created equal. Your game might work well as a board game with rewards for landing on certain spots. Perhaps a quiet word find is more what you are looking for. Look through these choices to start determining what type of game you would like to create.
- Indoor / outdoor
- Quiet / active
- Limited space / unlimited space
- Length of time
- Themed game / one-off filler
- Individual / pair / group
- Learning / just for fun
2. Theme.
Your choice of theme will help determine your colors, style and even how it might be played. You can look for free graphics online to include or even create your own. Determine what your theme will be. Create a color scheme. Collect / make graphics you intend to include.
3. Purpose.
What is the purpose of your game? Adding dice and counting spaces can help lead into a mathematical game. Trading cards can feature historical facts. Decide what you want your game to do. Incorporate these ideas into your theme.
4. Templates.
Templates are a great way to start designing your game. Sometimes you’ll use the template as part of your game, sometimes as a design tool for experimenting with ideas before creating your game. Of course, you can find templates for dice, spinners and other accessories as well.
The AEP supplements for this badge program have a variety of templates you can start with. Start your own archive of templates specific for game creation.
5. Rules.
You’ve played a lot of games. Your kids have as well. Create a list of rules from other games and place into a file so that you have an idea file. You can sort by the types above (Step 1) or any way that makes sense to you.
6. Distribution.
Using the Adobe Acrobat PDF format, distribution is easy. You can keep a clean original and distribute it as well. Create an organization system for your archiving your printable games.
Put it together
7. Rules only.
Some games do not need accessories. For example, “Rock, Paper, Scissors” needs no additional parts. However, a set of rules is a good thing to have on-hand when introducing this game. Brainstorm games that only need a rules sheet. Create one.
8. Printable boards.
Blank board templates can easily be adapted to any theme. By saving the board you create, you can reuse it. Reuse a board game for:
- Birthdays
- Holidays
- Meetings
- Events
- On-hand filler
Take a blank board and create a printable board game you can use more than once. NOTE: You can make your board game more sturdy by laminating, adhering to foam core, etc.
9. Super-size boards.
Looking for a way to direct traffic at an event? Stuck inside with a group of hyper kids? Create a life-size game board. With paper, one sheet counts as a space. You can just use sheets of colored construction paper or mix it up by printing special instructions to mix amongst your regular “spaces.” For younger kids, add a dice with colored sides instead of numbers to your construction paper board.
For fun, AEP has three supplements that are single-page printable spaces to use for life-size games. Incorporate one (or more) of our sets into a game or create your own and play it with your kids.
10. Dice, spinners and numbers.
Dice, spinners and other number generators can be used to move around the board, draw cards, do actions, etc. These items can be adjusted for the age level of your group. For example, young children may find it easier to work with dice that have colored sides instead of numbers (Step 9).
Brainstorm other ways you can have kids include numbers into a game by using paper-created items.
11. Cards.
Cards can add variety to a game — from movement to special effects. They can also be utilized as a trading card. Our ATC template is a great way to create cards. In fact, you might even have each participant at your event create their own unique card and have everyone exchange them as part of a game. Look at how cards can be used as games or incorporated into games.
12. Money.
Putting a monetary twist to a game is another way to change an ordinary game. What would Monopoly be without the money? You can personalize money for an event with a photo, like a birthday party. AEP has a template you can use for this or create your own.
13. Counters and playing pieces.
Depending on your game, you might need counters in a variety of types:
- Individually designed counters that represent players
- Groups of counters, like checkers
- Sets of counters, like chess
Explore ways to create / find your own playing pieces.
14. Mazes.
Mazes can be created simply with a sheet of paper, ruler and pencil. You choose to make it easy or difficult. You can also use a template sheet under a blank sheet and trace the lines you want. Try creating a maze and have someone solve it.
15. Words.
Word games are not only easy to create, there are a plethora of Web sites that allow you to create them. Create the same word game online and by hand. Which do you prefer?
16. Origami.
Folding paper is a great way to create a printable game. From paper airplanes with contests for flying feats to paper footballs, we’ve all played with games and toys we’ve created with paper. Try creating your own cootie catcher / fortune teller.
What’s next?
17. Play test.
Just making a game isn’t enough. You need to test it to make sure others understand your rules, you have all the pieces you need and . . . most of all . . . it is enjoyable. Get a group together to play test one or more of the games you created
18. Party!
Host a party with printable games. These can be ones you found, created yourself, or have everyone create a game at your event.
19. Share.
Share the printable games you find and those you create with others who are interested. Be sure to include the rules and any accessories needed.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_Bingo_Blank.pdf
Blank BINGO-type game cards, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 — each in two sizes.
SUPP_Boards_Blank.pdf
Blank page-size game boards for customization — 22 to choose from.
SUPP_Boards_SS1.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — standard set of 10 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS2.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — active set of 14 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS3.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — chaos set of 18 spaces.
SUPP_Dice_Six.pdf
Template and two samples of six-sided dice.
SUPP_Maze_Templates.pdf
Two maze templates to draw your own maze with.
SUPP_Money_Templates.pdf
Eight denominations of play money from $1 to $500 to use as-is or to personalize for your game.
SUPP_Spinner_Templates.pdf
Ten spinner templates . . . from fully blank to ten divided sections.
SUPP_Word_Blank.pdf
Three word game templates — a scramble and two word finds, 10×10 and 15×15.
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Sites to Explore
boardgamegeek.com
boardgames.lovetoknow.com/Create_Your_Own_Printable_Board_Game
jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm
www.boardgameswithscott.com/?p=5
familycrafts.about.com/od/printablegames/Printable_Games.htm
www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/?CFID=736793&CFTOKEN=71752708
freebies.about.com/od/teacherfreebies/tp/word-search-makers.htm
www.toolsforeducators.com/bingo
www.wikihow.com/Hand-Draw-a-Maze
www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Trading-Card-Game
www.ehow.com/print/how_5000381_create-own-printable-board-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4500679_make-folded-paper-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4868894_make-magnetic-games.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_5196792_make-fake-printable-money.html
Badge: Printables – World Games
Game printables are ideal for travel or as additional activities at events or meetings. A simple sheet and a few counters can go a long way to keeping kids, and even adults, occupied.
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Steps
1. Purpose and theme.
From hosting a World Game Night to celebrating a holiday like World Thinking Day, world games can be part of the activities or encompass the entire event. Determine your theme. Decide how you will use your game printables.
2. Preparing for multiple uses.
Many printables are created to be used once and discarded. With games, you may choose to use a game board multiple times. Laminating (clear contact paper) or placing your prints into plastic binder sleeves will help protect it for many uses.
If your game is for single use only, be sure to note that the original sheet is the “MASTER” so that others make copies of it and don’t destroy the original.
NOTE: Always keep digital masters of the printables you create.
3. More parts.
Many games need more than just a board to play. These parts can also be made out of paper. See what you can find online or create your own. Parts may include:
- Counters
- Playing pieces
- Dice
- Spinners
- Score sheets
What other parts could you include?
4. AEP printable sheets.
Explore the printable games and puzzles listed in the AEP Supplement list below. Find one or more that look interesting. Try the game(s) yourself. Do you think others would enjoy it?
5. Web finds.
Explore the Web for additional printed games and puzzles. Make sure each item includes instructions. Teacher sites have many theme-driven printables. Try one or more games that you find with others.
6. Adapt a game.
Find a non-printable game that you can adapt to a printable version. Recreate it as a printable. Include all items needed to play the game. Track the steps you take creating your game so you can do it again. Play test your game.
7. Create your own.
Create your own game using AEP Supplements, from other printables or your own imagination. Create rules and any additional parts you need. Play test your game and track feedback to improve your game. Release it to others.
If you really enjoy creating games, check out the AEP badge program “Printables: My Own Games.”
8. Creation challenge.
Challenge others to create a printable game based on a theme, existing game or other topic you wish. Create guidelines for creating the game. If you wish, also create guidelines for the game itself. Some things you might want to include are:
- One part should be printable
- Rules must be complete
- All play parts must be included
- Length of play
- Places it should be able to be played
- Ages of players
- Physical storage area
- Your additional rules
Host a play test night with score / comment sheets.
9. Make a night of it.
Host a game event / night featuring your printable games. Be sure to include instructions. You can have a variety of games or one game and declare a champion.
10. Share with others.
Create a binder, box or other way to distribute printed world games. Be sure to include the additional items needed to play such as counters and dice. A few places these might be enjoyed include:
- Camp library
- Service unit library
- Council library
- Day care centers
- Nursing homes
- Activity centers
- School library (to do when kids can’t go outside)
Donate your created materials at one of the locations above or a place of your choosing.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_Game_Achi_GhanaNigeria.pdf
Achi — reusable game board. Known as Achi in Ghana and Nigeria, Picaria in the Southwestern US.
SUPP_Game_Battleship_USA.pdf
Battleship — paper version of the popular board game.
SUPP_Game_Categories_USA.pdf
Categories — word game.
SUPP_Game_Cootie Catcher1.pdf
Cootie catcher / fortune teller — positive version.
SUPP_Game_Cootie Catcher2.pdf
Cootie catcher / fortune teller — positive version.
SUPP_Game_Cootie Catcher3.pdf
Cootie catcher / fortune teller — yes / no version.
SUPP_Game_Dots_Squares_USA.pdf
Dots — create squares by drawing lines between dots.
SUPP_Game_Foldovers_USA.pdf
Foldovers — different people draw the head, chest/arms, stomach/hips and legs/feet for crazy creatures.
SUPP_Game_FriendshipCode_USA.pdf
Friendship Code — make your own code with the English alphabet.
SUPP_Game_Hangman_USA.pdf
Hangman — sheet to play this word game.
SUPP_Game_Jan-Ken-Pon_Japan.pdf
Jan-Ken-Pon — play “Rock-Paper-Scissors” as they would in Japan.
SUPP_Game_KimsGame_England.pdf
Kim’s Game — 4-up sheet for writing down ten items only. You’ll need to provide the rest.
SUPP_Game_LenChoa_Thailand.pdf
Len Choa — reusable game board. Known as Len Choa in Thailand, also Hat diviyan keliya in Sri Lanka.
SUPP_Game_Nim_China.pdf
Nim — reusable game board.
SUPP_Game_Quoits_AlaskaAleuts.pdf
Quoits — outside ground game adapted to paper.
SUPP_Game_Seega_Egypt.pdf
Seega — reusable game board.
SUPP_Game_Tanagram_China.pdf
Tanagram — cut the pieces apart to reuse.
SUPP_Game_Tanagram_Diagrams.pdf
Tanagram Diagrams — a few diagrams to try with the tanagram pieces.
SUPP_Game_Tapatan_Philippines.pdf
Tapatan — reusable game board. Also known as Noughts and Crosses (Roomans) and Tripp Trapp Trull (Sweden).
SUPP_Game_UR_Iraq.pdf
Ur — reusable board game. Also includes sheet of dice. Adapted from the ancient board game.
SUPP_Game_WanTuZum_Malaysia.pdf
Wan Tu Zum — another variant on “Rock-Paper-Scissors”, this one from Malaysia.
SUPP_Game_Why_Because_USA.pdf
Why? Because! — Writing game where one person writes the question and another the answer.
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Sites to Explore
jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm
familycrafts.about.com/od/printablegames/Printable_Games.htm
www.toolsforeducators.com
familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-games-and-puzzles
www.freeprintable.com/free-printable-games
www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Board-Game
antidote.hubpages.com/hub/makeyourowntradingcardgame
boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Print_and_Play_Games
ravensblight.com/papertoys.html
Badge: Harry Potter — Games
The house who wins the most games wins the “Quidditch Cup.” While “Quidditch” is the most recognizable game, you may find other games are more to the liking of your group. You can do a variety of games or choose one for the houses to compete against each other.
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Steps
1. Muggle Quidditch.
Muggle Quidditch is a real sport. Learn about it. Review the IQA rulebook (currently version 4) to get specifics on field size, play and more.
2. Home Quidditch.
Explore additional versions of Quidditch. If you’re playing at home or camp, you will need a simplified version to teach quickly. The kids will be more interested in playing than waiting. Some links are in the “Sites to Explore”. Don’t stop there. Explore the Web.
NOTE: No matter which way you choose to play Quidditch, determine if you will play a single game or if you will have houses compete against each other over a longer time (such as day camp) and on the last day play for the Quidditch Cup. Make sure you take pictures of the winning Quidditch team with their prize.
3. Gobstones.
Gobstones is the equivalent of marbles. The difference is that the gobstones spit putrid liquid at players when they lose a point. Find rules for various marbles games to play.
4. Wizard’s chess.
Whether you choose to have your participants play chess or work as the pieces themselves, chess is a great rainy day activity. Teaching and playing chess is time consuming. You could do this as one-time activity or over a longer time, creating a competition to find the best player or even a Wizard’s Chess Club.
5. Wizard duel.
summercampprogramdirector.com/harry-potter-camp-ideas-part-2-the-classes/
Find out how this camp handles a wizard duel. Create your own list of spells to use or utilize the spell trading cards provided by AEP. Remember, no unforgivable curses.
6. Broomstick races.
Create a play area. Provide broomsticks and adjust your favorite relay and / or race to include broomsticks.”Fly” on them or use them to sweep items.
7. Broom hockey.
Find out about broom hockey. Adjust the rules as necessary to fit your event.
8. Find the snitch.
Get a yellow ball (or balls). Hide them for participants to find. Award house points when found and relocate the ball.
9. Dementor tag.
One person wears a dark cloak as the dementor. The professor teaches the Patronus charm to the participants to protect themselves. After practicing the charm, the participants are ready to play. When they are not successful (didn’t get do it right) or if they ran away, the dementor tags them and they freeze. The professor is the only one who can unfreeze them with a mini chocolate bar. The professor cannot be frozen by the dementor.
10. Moaning Myrtle.
Think Marco Polo, where you blindfold one of the participants and then the rest position themselves around the area and start moaning and crying. When the blindfolded child finds someone, they have to guess who it is. If they’re right, the two switch places and the game continues.
11. Immobulus.
Participants dance to music and when the “wizard” yells “Immobulus!”, the music stops and everyone stands perfectly still. If anyone moves, they are “out” and become the wizard. Then the music starts again.
12. Who am I?
As children arrive, pin a piece of paper on their back with the name of a character from the Harry Potter books (give easier characters to the younger children). Kids must then move around the room asking questions about their character, which can only be answered with “yes” or “no”. Example questions might be:
- Am I a wizard?
- Am I a Muggle?
- Am I a child?
- Am I good at magic?
13. Harry Potter BINGO.
Use your bingo set with special Harry Potter cards. You can find blank ones in the AEP supplements.
14. Mazes.
Whether it’s the maze of the Hogwarts building or the maze from the Triwizard Tournament, mazes can be small and on paper, in a cornfield or even a path of colored sand to follow. Create a maze for your participants. Include hidden items to add a scavenger hunt twist or time your participants to see who gets through your maze first.
15. Triwizard Tournament.
Create an obstacle course for your tournament. Base it on the Harry Potter version or create your own and try to incorporate items to help keep your course within the theme.
16. Printable games.
Create your own word searches, crosswords and more. Printable games can be created before your event. You can use minimal volunteers with printable games as the participants will help each other.
17. Runes.
Change your runes into a game by replacing each rune with a letter and create secret messages.
18. Guess how many.
From Bernie Bott’s Beans to chocolate frogs, give your participants a quick game to guess how many. You can award points to the house with the closest guess, give the container to the winner or award as you wish.
19. Horcrux scavenger hunt.
Create a scavenger hunt with items that might be used, or were used, as horcruxes. This could include rings, books and even people.
20. Trading cards.
Many card games involve trading cards. Find the trading cards in the supplements and print some out. Let your participants create their own rules.
21. Purchased games.
Harry Potter is extremely popular. You can purchase games for your participants to play. This includes games completely based on Harry Potter as well as popular games given a Harry Potter twist. Some include:
- Clue Harry Potter
- Harry Potter Wizard Chess
- LEGO Harry Potter
- Harry Potter Scene it?
- Harry Potter Trivia (various)
- Harry Potter UNO
21. Make your own.
Make your own original Harry Potter-based game. You can use the popular characters or explore areas in the series that give you the freedom to add your own imagination. For a start, AEP has provided a “Hogwarts Houses” sheet as a game board. Share your rules with AEP members.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_HPG_Hogwarts Houses.pdf
Game board to create your own Hogwarts game.
SUPP_HPG_MiscPrintables.pdf
Quote quiz and two character name mix ups / scrambles.
SUPP_HPG_Potter.pdf
Blank “Potter” cards (BINGO).
SUPP_HPG_Runes.pdf
Rune cypher and meaning sheets.
SUPP_HPG_BeanFlavorsB.pdf
Blank trading cards to create your own Bernie Bott’s Beans flavors.
SUPP_HPG_TCPotions.pdf
Seven pages (9-up) of potion trading cards.
SUPP_HPG_TCPotionsB.pdf
One page of blank potion trading cards to create your own.
SUPP_HPG_TCSpells.pdf
Sixteen pages (9-up) of “Charm, Curse and Spell” trading cards.
SUPP_HPG_TCSpellsB.pdf
One page of blank spell trading cards to create your own.
SUPP_HPG_WFFlavors.pdf
Word find for Bernie Bott’s flavors.
SUPP_HPG_WFPotions.pdf
Word find for potions.
SUPP_HPG_WFSpells.pdf
Word find for spells.
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