The Play Real Game is a career development program, fully compliant with the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs competencies and performance indicators for the Primary/Elementary level. The Play Real Game is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, students (and teachers) have fun as they learn about adult life and work roles in a community setting, and see how what they are learning in school will help them prepare for a good future. The Play Real Game is an educational program with clearly defined learning outcomes and performance indicators, presented in the form of a game.

How much time does it take to play The Play Real Game?

It takes from 10 to 15 hours of class time to complete the core activities of the program. Optional activities are also included in the Facilitator's Guide. The additional activities complement the core activities and create opportunities to involve the community, other teachers, and parents/guardians. The Play Real Game is flexible enough to be completed during a weekend camp, over a concentrated week or two at school, or extended over one to three months.

Do I need training to present the game to students?

Although complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans are provided for facilitators, training is strongly recommended. Both students and teachers benefit more from the program when facilitators attend a training session.

How do I get the training I need?

The Department of Education in each Canadian province and territory has designated a Real Game Series Coordinator who coordinates training and awareness-raising activities and events for all programs in The Real Game Series. You can get in touch with your Coordinator through the Career Services unit of your Department of Education, or through the Career Cruising(1-800-965-8541  ext. 118).

Can The Play Real Game be presented as a community project outside the classroom?

Yes, as long as facilitators have experience in classroom or group-learning environments. For example, the program can be very popular at summer camps or evening/weekend sessions with community groups. If facilitators are not teachers experienced with the program, it is recommended that they attend The Play Real Game training.

How does the game integrate with regular curricula?

In over 70,000 classrooms now using programs in The Real Game Series, a team-teaching approach is most common. English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Family and Consumer Science, Geography, Physical Education and other teachers, as well as career counsellors, librarians, administrators, parent volunteers, and peer facilitators (students from high school grades) can facilitate key activities in the program.

Is it possible for parents to buy The Play Real Game so their children can play it at home?

This is not recommended. The Play Real Game is more beneficial in a classroom or group setting where a "mini-society" can be created with at least 15 to 20 participants. Group interaction contributes greatly to the perceived reality and effectiveness of the program.

Are other versions of this program available for other age groups?

Yes. This is one in a series of four developmentally-sequenced programs, all keyed to the competencies and performance indicators of the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs. The complete Series includes:

The Play Real Game - Grades 3-5
The Real Game - Grades 7-9
The Be Real Game - Grades 10-16