School Days Reminiscing Cards

This is a wonderful game designed to improve dexterity, foster social skills, and create a warm atmosphere of reminiscence. It can be adapted to any occasion! Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.

Materials:

• A4 paper for printing
• Colorful construction paper (prepare 24 cards for a group of 8, adjust for larger groups)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Black marker

Instructions:

• Download the provided "School Day" questions or create your own.
• Have participants cut out all the questions and headings.
• Divide cardstock into appropriately sized cards (e.g., 6 x 2 inches or 15  x 5 cm). 
• Ask participants to glue the questions to one side and the headings to the other side.
• Laminating the cards is optional.

How to Play:

• Distribute one card to each participant, placing them face down in front of each person.
• Ask the first participant to flip their card over and read the question aloud.  If they don't have an answer or it does not apply to them, invite others to answer.
• Allow a few minutes for the group to engage in discussions, share related stories, and reminisce about their school days.
• Continue with the next person, and repeat the process until everyone has had a turn.
• Collect the cards and distribute new ones to keep the conversation going.
• After the game ask participants if they know any songs or poems about the topic.

For instance, on World Teachers' Day, share a poem about teachers and check if anyone remembers songs like "Another Brick in the Wall" from the 1970s. You can even involve a couple of nurses to join the group for a few minutes of singing together.

Sample Questions for 'School Days' Reminiscing Cards:

• Did your school use the cane as a form of discipline?
• Did you wear a uniform to school?
• What did you call your teacher?
• Did your school have class photos taken?
• Did you prefer using a pencil or a pen for writing?
• Did you have to sit for exams?
• Were you ever called to the Principal's office?
• How did you learn your Times Tables?
• Did your school have any bullies?
• How much homework did you have?
• Did you have fond memories of your teachers?
• What was your favorite subject?
• Did you go on field trips or excursions?
• Did you have a lot of friends in school?
• Did your teacher ever visit your parents?
• Did you have to memorize and recite poems?
• Did your school have a sandpit in the yard?
• Did you receive free milk at school?

Feel free to customize the questions to suit your group's preferences and cultural background, ensuring an enjoyable and nostalgic experience for all participants.

We'd love to hear your feedback!