Cooperative Game Design

Designing cooperative games requires thinking about fairness, inclusion, and shared success.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
• Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Create games where everyone wins
• Test and refine cooperative game rules
• Play designed games with classmates

Materials

• Game design templates
• Various game materials

Instructions

Study cooperative games where everyone wins together. Design original cooperative games in small groups. Test games and gather feedback on whether they're fun and truly cooperative. Refine and share games with other groups.

Educator tip

Help groups that create competitive games reframe: 'How could everyone win together?'

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe game design process, cooperative elements, and refinement based on feedback.

More from EYFS Champions of Character

• Boundary Setting
• Media Kindness Critics
• Celebrating Effort Over Outcome
• Conflict Prevention Strategies
• Character Strengths Showcase
• Character Biography Project
• Ethical Debate Forum
• Peer Mediation Training