When programs are planned, fun, developmentally appropriate, and offer a variety of activities in a safe environment, it provides a foundation of success for all participants. Children’s learning will be further enhanced in programs where reflective practice by both student and leader exists.

By providing opportunities for children to reflect and share their experiences following activities they will become more responsible for their own learning and it will assist children and leaders in planning and participating in games in the future.

Leader Reflection

All games and activities can be adapted to meet the level appropriate for children.

With any activity, consider the following questions and adapt the activity as needed:

Questions for Reflection

Is the activity safe?
Do all children have an opportunity to be active?
Does the activity build on skills and strategies that the children have been taught?
Can adaptations be made so that children of all abilities can be involved?
Are positive social skills reinforced?
Does the structure need to be adjusted (e.g., play in smaller groups with rule variations)?
How can the challenge or fun factor be increased?
How is the game linked to the tactical focus?

Participant Reflection

Help children make connections and let them share what they know.

With any activity, consider the following questions to encourage thinking.

Questions for Reflection

If you had to do that again, how would you do it differently?
What decisions did you make?
What were you thinking?
What rules/boundaries made the game enjoyable/challenging?
What skills/strategies did you use in a game?
How can you make this game more/less challenging?
What did you like? What would you change?
Did the rules work? What would that rule force you to do?
Did this game help you think about important tactics while playing games?