Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

The LEAGUE

Home / Teachers / Games People Play (9-12)

Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size Reset Font Size

Games People Play (9-12)

Unit of 3 lessons

9th-12th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Math, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	PHIL:	Bridge LEAGUE; Character; Common Good; Family; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: School Bridge; Rules; Service; Social Contract
	SOC:	Consensus; Good Character; Personal Virtue; Regulation; Rules; School Community; Social Action
Lesson 2 :	PHIL:	Bridge LEAGUE; Common Good; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: School Bridge; Rules; Service; Social Contract
	SOC:	Consensus; Family; Good Character; Personal Virtue; Regulation; Rules; School Community; Social Action
Lesson 3 :	MAT:	Addition; Algebra; Comparing Numbers; Data Analysis/Probability; Inductive/Deductive Reasoning; Infer; Mental Computation; Predict; Problem Solving; Subtraction
	PHIL:	Bridge LEAGUE; Common Good; Community; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: School Bridge; Service Project

Unit Purpose:

In this unit the learners understand the concepts of contract and social contract, and the important role that “rules” play in enhancing the common good. They will begin to identify some of the characteristics required of those who desire to play the "game of life" in such a way as to promote the common good. The analogy of civil society as the game of life (rules, trust, relationships) will be explored. Through learning and playing the card game “Bridge,” students will learn and practice life/social skills (problem solving, good character, interpersonal communication, collaboration and discipline), and study skills of memory, concentration and critical thinking. Core academic subject objectives Social Studies and Math will be addressed.

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

recognize the need for rules and regulations in games as well as in life.

explore the concept of contracts and identify their importance in promoting the common good.

identify characteristics that lend themselves to social contracts.

identify ways to promote the common good by entering into social contracts.

be introduced to the game of Bridge.

understand the connection between Bridge and "bridging the gap".

begin to identify ways to promote the common good by entering into social contracts that revolve around the playing of the game of Bridge.

define the vocabulary of Bridge.

deal cards according to game playing etiquette.

organize playing cards in a useable way.

use mental arithmetic to count points for a hand.

play Mini Bridge.

practice interpersonal communication and collaboration following game rules.

estimate and predict a “winning” bid.

decide on and carry out a service project to “Bridge the Gap” with Bridge.

reflect on new learning from the game of Bridge and from the service project.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

The learners will use their newly acquired game playing skills in an academic service learning project that will enhance the common good and serve to “bridge” cultural, ethnic, racial, generational and/or gender gaps.

Unit Assessment:

Learner participation in the group discussions and activities.
Completion of reflection activities.
Teacher observation of the ability to play Mini Bridge and/or Bridge.

School/Home Connection:

Students will discuss “contracts” with family members, and what written or unwritten rules that are part of those contracts.
Students will seek ideas from their families for service projects involving Bridge.

Notes for Teaching:

Lesson Three is designed to teach Mini Bridge, with additional lessons to teach Bridge. It is highly recommended that the teacher have volunteers to help with this lesson, and to insure complete groups of four Bridge players. It is not necessary for the volunteers to be proficient in Bridge, but of course that would be most helpful.