Objective Based Board Game Inspired by Spinelli's Novel "Hokey Pokey"

LITERATURE INSPIRED PROJECT:

Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli

Hokey Pokey ascends to my list of favorite YA literature novels. I was so inspired by the book that I took upon myself the challenge to create my own board game. Utilizing significant areas from the text, I created a game board to function similarly to a clue board. The game board I created by hand using cardboard, scrap-booking paper, printing paper, felt, tissue paper, various magazine clippings, various found items, pen, and Elmer glue. The game board itself probably claimed 4-6 hours collectively to complete. (And no, I am not including the time taken to cut out each individual white square...that was a poor decision.)

Game Board. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

For game play I created three different card decks: Objects, Adventure Cards, and Mystery. Every card was inspired by its contents' appearance within the novel. Events like Splashing in Puddles, Digging up Bikasaurus, and Catching a Wild Bike were memorable in the book, and I felt they were important objectives players should accomplish. Less significant events were variously distributed among character profiles (information cards each player adheres to in completing the game). Each profile is unique, just like every child in real life has individual interests. Collecting objects like Berries, Rope, and Toys, players completed tasks to level up. Once a player fully leveled up, they could head to the final destination and claim victory.

Card Decks. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

When making this game, I really enjoyed the complexity and creative aspects that went into its creation. This project not only evoked creative thinking, but encouraged analysis and clarification of intentions for rules and influence of objectives. I had to be sure I wrote clearly, concisely, and with strong understanding of how each aspect of the game related to other parts of the game. Such purposeful and detailed thought processes I believe are important in all students, as it prepares them to think critically for real world problems and solutions.

Game Board: Blackberry Bramble. PHOTO. Megan Bryant.

TO FELLOW TEACHERS!!!! As I mentioned, I spent large quantity of time to create this. Albeit, that may be because I am persnickety and like everything to be perfect. If you desire students to create a game board project inspired by a reading, I suggest you provide detailed goals and explanations of your expectations. The complexity of the game is partly responsible for the complexity of thought and writing students put into its creation. Also, to allow for more time, I would not suggest each student creating their own game. This would work better as a group project, breaking down the heavy work load while still maintaining importance of connecting thoughts, ideas, and concept to those of their group mates. If your students wish to make a board game project for a reading project, make sure they are forewarned and given deadlines to ensure they don't wait to the last minute...because then it will be done poorly or not at all.