1. www.paoloiotti.net1 Play, Game, Simulation: three magic words Busnago 07 05 2010 Dr Paolo Iotti

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4. A weekend with…

7. I’m Emil Faith

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9. 9 3 activities; 3 strategies ► Play GameSimulation

10. www.paoloiotti.net10 PLAY… ► A play is a manner of dealing with others; it is different from real life; it differs from reality in place and time. ► A play starts and ends at a given point, and it can be repeated.

11. www.paoloiotti.net11 GAME… ► A game is an activity based on competition, so at the end, there is always a winner and a loser. ► Of course the winner of the game can get different rewards, for example:  it can be something real (an object), something symbolic (points), idealistic (praise)... ► A game is rule-governed, so there is a set of rules which each participant has to obey.

12. www.paoloiotti.net12 SIMULATION ► A simulation is nothing else but trying to act out the real-life situations. ► People taking part in simulations play different social roles. It is very often connected with solving some kind of a problem or planning something. ► The basic difference between a game and a simulation is that in a game there is always a winner, which not always happens in case of simulation.

13. www.paoloiotti.net13 More example of plays 1/2

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15. www.paoloiotti.net15 More example of games 1/2

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17. www.paoloiotti.net17 Disadvantages of using games in the classroom ? Maybe, but… ► A GAME... ►... helps to train children’s memory and creativity and… ► what is more, it teaches children to control their feelings (anxiety, impatience, anger) ►…►…►…►…

18. www.paoloiotti.net18 More advantages of using games in the classroom ► Games are a welcome break from the usual routine of the language class. ► They are motivating and challenging. ► Learning a language requires a great deal of effort; games help children to make and sustain the effort of learning. ► Games provide language practice in the various skills- speaking, writing, listening and reading. ► They encourage children to interact and communicate. ► They create a meaningful context for language use.

19. www.paoloiotti.net19 More example of simulations 1/2

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21. www.paoloiotti.net21 Plays Games & Simulations ► Language learning is a hard task which can sometimes be frustrating. Constant effort is required to understand, produce and manipulate the target language. Well-chosen P G & S are invaluable as they allow children to practice their language skills. ► P G & S are highly motivating since they are amusing and at the same time challenging. They also encourage and increase cooperation.

22. www.paoloiotti.net22 In conclusion… ► There is a common perception that all learning should be serious and solemn in nature, and that if one is having fun and there is hilarity and laughter, then it is not really learning. This is a misconception. It is possible to learn a language as well as enjoy oneself at the same time. ► One of the best ways of doing this is through the combination of today’s three key words plays, games, and simulations