Game Theory - Lawn Edition

Official Description:  In our modern, COVID-influenced world, the use of cellphones, tablets, computers, and tvs is greater than any other point in history. People in today’s society are more connected, while also being more disconnected (from each other), than ever. Fortunately, there is a fix to this dynamic - play! Play is how we learn many important social skills and establish connections with others from the youngest of ages through adulthood. In this session, attendees will experience the joy of playing lawn games while incorporating hard (literacy/math) and soft (SEL) skillsets. Workshops participants will then craft their own brand new lawn game, and teach others how to play their game in an easily replicated creator-space. At the core of learing in this endeavor is the idea of "playing with intent" and how that can be used to build upon education standards.

Layman's Description: Sunshine means playing outside. Outside can be a classroom too! Experience how lawn games can be used and crafted to foster learning, without looking and feeling like learning.

DO Conference Hype: Whether you are on the ESPN televised cornhole circuit, enjoy a good game of bocce ball, or are just an occasional partaker of Giant Jenga, lawn games invite people of all sorts to come together. They foster interaction, collaboration, and fun competition in low-stakes settings. Being outside and encouraging healthy active lifestyles is the true essence of these games. Seize the opportunity to play some classics, learn some you probably do not know about, and invent a brand new game yourself!

Presenter: Martin Fortney, former 21st CCLC Program Director at College Place Public Schools, loves the intersection of theory, practice, and gaming of all types. It is in this "sweet spot" that Martin has crafted some of his best afterschool programs. He believes that when students capitalize on the rigorous academic standards of the school day and pair it with their youth culture, passions, hobbies, and interests, it is the job of the afterschool educator to stoke these flames of excitement by creating a learning environment that is naturally differentiated to all learning styles. At this year’s Do Conference, Martin invites you to come "play with intent".