Here are all of the lesson plans for each day of preparation, game play and reflection.
Almost Utopia Unit Objectives
1. Students will learn and utilize strategies for cooperation and diplomacy.
2. Students will understand the impact that international events have on the rest of the world.
3. Students will solve problems in the game that face the real world.
4. Students will create alliances from groups with differing interests.
Guiding Questions
1. Can the world’s problems be solved or will they always be with us?
2. Is violence necessary?
3. What can individuals do to make the world better?
Optional Books:
“How do I feel?” by Norma Simon. Game Lesson 1.
“The Pain and the Great One” by Judy Bloom Game lesson 3
Notes about readings. Further readings can be utilized anytime one needs to fill time. Some of the readings may be too graphic for younger grades. Use your discretion.
Pregame
Game play
- Gameday 1: Identifying emotions
- Gameday 2: Explore emotional triggers and reactions
- Gameday 3: Learn about the “other”‘s perspective and negotiation skills
- Gameday 4: Focus on the complexity of probems
- Gameday 5: Work on negotiating skills.
- Gameday 6: Why it’s important to be wrong.
- Gameday 7: Work on collaboration strategies.
- Gameday 8: Use your knowledge to solve 3 brainteasers.
- Gameday 9: Communication skills
- Gameday 10: Work on communication skills.
- Gameday 11: Learn about non-violent resistance.
- Gameday 12: Learn about brainwriting
- Gameday 13: Learn why ambiguity and frustration are useful.
- Gameday 14: Celebrate diversity
- Gameday 15: Precrastination vs. procrastination and when to use them.
Reflection