Core Skills Analysis
Computing
Soleil-Rose played computer games with her sister and practised using a computer through the activity. At age 12, Soleil-Rose developed hands-on familiarity with computer controls and the steps involved in taking part in a digital game. The games also gave Soleil-Rose opportunities to use problem-solving, such as considering how to respond to challenges presented during play. This connected practical computer use with thinking through problems.
Social and Emotional Learning
By playing computer games with her sister, Soleil-Rose practised cooperation and communication in a shared activity. Soleil-Rose learned to engage with another person while taking part in a game, building experience in working together and communicating during play. The activity offered a chance to practise social skills alongside computer use. It brought problem-solving and interaction together in a shared learning experience.
Tips
Tips Extend the activity by inviting Soleil-Rose and her sister to explain how they solve a game challenge, taking turns to suggest and test strategies. They could create a simple paper-based game together, agree on its rules, and then compare how its design differs from a computer game. After playing, Soleil-Rose could write or draw a short guide showing the controls, goal, and a helpful strategy. A brief conversation about which cooperation and communication choices helped them play together would reinforce the social learning.
Book Recommendations
- How Computers Work by Ron White: An illustrated introduction to computer hardware and how computers work, offering context for Soleil-Rose’s computer use.
- The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell: A widely known guide to how games are designed, useful for thinking about challenges, rules, and player experience.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey: An accessible resource on communication, cooperation, and relationships for young teens.
Try This Next
- Game-strategy worksheet: Describe one challenge and list two ways to approach it.
- Cooperative game reflection: Write or draw one example of how the players communicated or worked together.
- Design-a-game prompt: Create a simple game with a goal, three rules, and a way players can cooperate.