How the games work

TGfL includes two game types — Naming games and Scenario games — both played in teams with structured facilitation. Scores are designed to motivate and encourage, while chance elements reduce performance pressure. In both games there are chance slots/cards which increase elements of luck in the game, helping to decrease worries about individual performance.

Naming games

The naming game aims to facilitate word production. Participants pick up cards with pictures which direct them to carry out different exercises involving naming the pictures, naming items related to the picture, guessing the name of a picture from a description, and making a sentence with pictured items. The variety of exercises carried out with the same words consolidates relearning and helps integration with other words and knowledge.

Scenario games

Scenario games aim to facilitate common requests and interactions in everyday situations. Participants interact with another member of their team while playing different roles. Six physical scenario games include:

Ordering food at a restaurant
Ordering in a café
Buying clothes in a clothing store
Talking about ailments
Organizing a vacation
Organizing chores

General game rules (physical games)

At the beginning of each session, participants are subdivided into teams by the facilitator. Each team chooses an identifying counter to navigate the board. Both teams start on the first slot on the board, which directs different kinds of exercises. The facilitator helps participants complete the exercise and teammates can assist as well. After an exercise is completed, the facilitator assigns a score ranging from 1–3 depending on effort, improvement, and quality of performance. These points are designed to encourage and motivate. Points are combined with the result of a dice roll (1–3 points). This adds an element of luck to the game and reduces performance pressure. The combined points move the counter forward on the board. The team that completes the circuit first wins the game.

Digital games

In the digital games, participants receive a link to access the game. They interact with other participants and the facilitator through a separate Teams link. Before starting the game, players customise the avatar that represents them by choosing skin colours, facial features, hair styles and outfits. The facilitator then divides participants into two teams and each team selects a counter to represent the team on the board.

Naming game sequence (step-by-step)

1
The avatar of the current participant appears and the turn order is automatically assigned.
2
The player shuffles the packet of cards corresponding to the board slot.
3
The selected card appears in the centre of the game board.
4
The participant performs the exercise indicated on the card, with support from teammates or facilitator if needed.
5
The facilitator assigns a score between 1 and 3.
6
A die appears and the participant throws it.
7
Facilitator points and dice points are combined.
8
The participant moves the team counter on the board according to the points obtained.
9
The turn passes to the other team.

The team that completes the circuit first wins the game.

Game boards

Here are the boards used across the Naming and Scenario games. Click any board to view it full size.

Naming game board

Scenario board: Restaurant

Scenario board: Café

Scenario board: Travel Agent

Scenario board: Hospital

Scenario board: Clothes

Scenario board: Chores