Recess Worldwide: Games that Unite

What is this project about?

This dynamic project transforms students into "Recess Reporters," documenting and sharing the unique games that make break time special in their schools. Through a series of engaging "game missions," students will discover how something as universal as school recess can vary fascinatingly across cultures, leading to meaningful cultural exchanges and lasting international friendships.

Age group: 13-15, 16-18, 18+
Project Duration: 4 weeks
Language: English, Spanish, Danish

Learning Outcomes

Develop intercultural awareness through the lens of everyday play.
Strengthen oral and written communication skills.
Practice comparative and analytical thinking.
Foster empathy and understanding through shared intercultural experiences.

Evaluate

Skills to develop

Intercultural Communication

Global Awareness

Digital Literacy

Collaboration & Teamwork

Collaboration

Project Timeline

Week 1

Presentation

Phase:Presentation & Dissemination

Step 1: Mission of the Playground Reporters

Introduce the project and clearly communicate the learning objectives, emphasizing the goal of documenting traditional games.
Creating the Digital «Playground Diary”. Guide students in documenting 3 to 5 popular games by:

Videos or Photos: Capture gameplay.
Interviews: Ask classmates about rules and strategies.
Research: Explore historical and cultural backgrounds.
Documentation: Describe when and how games are played.
Glossary: Compile related vocabulary.

For the organization of the digital diary you can use the following structure.

Game Name
Multimedia: Photos or videos
Description: How the game is played
Historical/Cultural Context
Glossary: Key terms

Step 2: Sharing Local Games

Upload your class’s digital «Playground Diary» to the project board on Class2Class.org for the partner class to explore.
Organize a virtual session where students demonstrate one of their local games in real-time.
Facilitate a round of questions where both classes can inquire about the variations and origins of each other's games.
Encourage students to share fun or memorable moments they experienced while playing these games.

Step 3: Game Challenge

Assist students in creating a step-by-step guide for their partner class to learn and practice one of their games.
Encourage them to include tutorial videos to demonstrate the rules and techniques.
Post these guides and tutorials on the platform’s board for easy access.

Step 4: Let's Play Together

Guide students in sharing videos or photos of their attempts (both successes and funny fails) while playing the game taught by their partner class.
Set up a final virtual meeting to exchange feedback, reflections, and highlights from their experiences learning each other’s games.

Assessment and reflection ✍️

Evaluate student participation in research and presentation.
Monitor engagement in cross-cultural discussions.
Assess quality of digital content creation.
Observer student interaction during virtual exchanges.
Group discussions about cultural insights gained.
Written reflections on personal growth and learning.

Teacher tips💡

Foster a safe and inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
Provide clear guidelines and expectations for respectful communication and collaboration. We suggest you review the coexistence policies of Class2Class.org.
Facilitate the formation of diverse international teams, ensuring a mix of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Provide scaffolding and support throughout the research and action planning process, offering guidance and resources as needed.
Encourage student agency and ownership of their learning, allowing them to drive the direction of their projects.
Celebrate student achievements and facilitate meaningful reflection on their growth and the impact of their actions.