School Days Reminiscing Cards

This is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.

Object:

• Improve dexterity
• Foster social skills

Materials:

• A4 paper for printing
• Construction paper, any colour. You should have 24 cards for a group of 8 people, more if you have groups of 10 or more people.
• Glue
• Scissors
• Black marker

Instructions:

• Download the supplied 'School Day' questions or type and print your own questions. To make your own, use Times New Roman font size 20 or larger. For each question, also type the game topic (j.e. School Days) in a slightly larger font size (24 or larger).
• Ask participants to cut out all questions and game headings into strips as per photos.
• Divide cardstock with a black marker and give to participants to cut. The ones in the photo are 6 inches x 2 inches (15 cm X 5 cm). You may have them slightly smaller or larger, it doesn't matter.
• Ask participants to glue questions to one side of each card and game headings to the other side, sa per photos.
• Laminating the cards is optional.

Play the game:

• Deal one card to each participant which is to be placed in front of them with the question facing down.
• Ask the first participant to read his card and answer the question. If they don't know or it does not apply to them, other participants may answer the question.
• Allow a few minutes for the rest of the group to comment and tell slightly different stories.
• Go on to the second person until all have had a turn, then collect the cards and deal new ones.
• After the game ask participants if they know any songs or poems about the topic.
  
  For example, for World Teachers' Day read them a poem about teachers. Check if participants remember the 1970s song 'Another Brick in the Wall', give them a copy of the lyrics and sing together. Get a couple of nurses to join the group for a few minutes and sing together.

Questions for 'School Days' reminiscing cards (available for download):

• Was the cane used in your school?
• Did you wear a uniform to school?
• What did you call your teacher?
• Did you have class photos taken?
• Did you use pencil or pen to write?
• Did you have to sit for exams?
• Were you ever in the Principal's office?
• How did you learn your Time Tables?
• Were there 'bullies' in your school?
• Did you have a lot of homework?
• Did you like your teachers?
• What sort of lunch did you take to school?
• Did you wear shoes and socks to school?
• How did you get to school?
• Did you have to pray before class started?
• Did you lift your hand up to speak?
• Was your teacher strict?
• What was your favourite subject?
• Did you go on field trips (excursions)?
• Did you have a lot of friends?
• Did your teacher visit your parents?
• Did you have to learn poems?
• Did you have a sandpit in the school yard?
• Did you get free milk in school?

We'd love to hear your feedback!