{"id":630,"date":"2021-10-08T14:37:06","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T18:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www3.scholastic.ca\/lpeyx-teaching-support\/?page_id=630"},"modified":"2022-03-25T14:08:15","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T18:08:15","slug":"barrier-games","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www3.scholastic.ca\/lpeyx-teaching-support\/grade-1\/oral-language-kit\/oral-language-games\/barrier-games\/","title":{"rendered":"Barrier Games"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Barrier Games are a great language-learning activity as they provide opportunities to develop both listening and speaking skills. Players are required to give and receive directions while being separated by a barrier. Battleship, a hit and miss game using coordinates, is a common barrier game. Depending on the complexity of the game, learners can develop a wide range of language skills. In particular, speakers learn the importance of providing explicit and comprehensive information to listeners and, reciprocally, listeners learn the importance of monitoring information and clarifying understanding through questioning. Specifically, barrier games foster and extend descriptive language (precise use of noun, attribute, and location vocabulary).<\/p>\n

Materials:<\/strong><\/span>
\n\t\t<\/span>– some kind of barrier (three sides of a cardboard box, a desk-top easel, or an open, upright book) per pair
\n\t\t– an identical set of materials for each player
\n\t\t– two copies of the game board (depending on materials used) per pair
\n\tGrouping:<\/strong><\/span> partners<\/p>\n\t\t

Note:<\/strong><\/span> Barrier games can be created with a variety of common classroom materials and can connect to specific curriculum areas, depending on the type of vocabulary you are trying to develop (e.g., pattern blocks for math figures, Lego blocks for constructing a building). Create a game board that connects contextually to the materials. See the two game variations: Artist\u2019s Studio and Make My Map.<\/p>\n\t\t

Introducing the Game<\/span> <\/h2>\n\t\t
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  1. Explain the concept of a barrier game.<\/li>\n\t\t
  2. Share the materials being used in the game and review appropriate vocabulary.<\/li>\n\t\t
  3. Choose a capable student to assist with playing the game.<\/li>\n\t\t
  4. Demonstrate how to sit facing your partner with the barrier set up between you. Explain that an important rule when playing barrier games is that you cannot peek on the other side of the barrier.<\/li>\n\t\t
  5. Explain that the game begins by deciding who will be the instructor and who will be the listener.<\/li>\n\t\t
  6. Show students how the instructor arranges the materials on his\/her side of the barrier and how the listener lays out the pieces so that they are accessible.<\/li>\n\t\t
  7. Discuss the importance of following and checking instructions so that the game objects are in identical positions at the end of the game. Reinforce that the listener has to wait for the full instruction before acting.<\/li>\n\t\t
  8. Demonstrate how to provide instructions for the listener. Use specific naming, attribute, and location words (e.g., \u201cPlace the tall evergreen tree near the upper left-hand corner of your landscape.\u201d).<\/li>\n\t\t
  9. Explain how the listener scans the pieces, locates the appropriate object, and sets the piece in the proper location. After the instruction has been carried out, the listener indicates readiness to the instructor.<\/li>\n\t\t
  10. Ensure that some of the directions are incomplete so the listener has to ask clarifying questions before acting. Discuss how the instructor must modify instructions at the listener\u2019s request.<\/li>\n\t\t
  11. Demonstrate how to complete the game by removing the barrier and comparing arrangements. Model how to discuss discrepancies using positive comments and appropriate vocabulary. Be aware that it is often the listener who is blamed if the two game boards are not identical but the fault may lie in an inadequate description.<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ol>\n\t\t

    Playing the Game<\/h2>\n\t\t
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    1. Sit facing your partner with the barrier between you.<\/li>\n\t\t
    2. Lay out all of your game pieces.<\/li>\n\t\t
    3. Decide who will be the instructor and who will be the listener.<\/li>\n\t\t
    4. Remember not to peek over the barrier at your partner\u2019s side.<\/li>\n\t\t
    5. Think about your direction before saying it. <\/li>\n\t\t
    6. Speak clearly and give one instruction at a time.<\/li>\n\t\t
    7. Listen carefully before acting.<\/li>\n\t\t
    8. Ask questions if you don\u2019t understand the direction.<\/li>\n\t\t
    9. Tell your partner when you are ready for the next step.<\/li>\n\t\t
    10. Remove the barrier and check your results at the end of the game.<\/li>\n\t\t
    11. Give feedback to your partner and switch roles to play again.\n\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ol>\n\t\t

      Artist\u2019s Studio Barrier Game<\/h3>\n\t\t