A Game of Life

What kind of board game could you create, called A Game of Life? (a) For this theme, imagine places players could visit, and what could happen to them in those locations. What might they want to accomplish? (b) Then think about game rules that make sense for players to reach those goals. (c) Next think about how to design the setting. How would players move from the start to the finish? What would give players challenges or bonuses? Will the game involve cards, luck, decision making, and/or money? What will the game-playing tokens be? (Sometimes when you design a game it helps to think about your favorite games. Then change the setting, figures, goals, ways players move, and other aspects to make an original, creative game.)

Sketch out a drawing of the game board on scrap paper, using Crayola® Colored Pencils. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to get everything to fit on your map. What Game of Life messages would work for your Game of Life?

Then draw the final version on a recycled file folder or poster board with Crayola Washable Markers. With Crayola Scissors, cut out and label any cards, money, or other playing features.

What characters are needed for your Game of Life? Mold the player figures that will move along the game board using Crayola Model Magic. Choose your favorite color of Model Magic or add color with washable markers after the white modeling material is dry.

Make dice with Model Magic. Mark the dice with dots representing numerals, colors, or whatever system works to move characters along in your game.

After the modeling material has dried overnight, let the games begin.