Game of Connect

February 6, 2024 Judith Allen Shone

CONNECT is a simple game of inclusion, to let the players tell a story, their story. Every person participates, the facilitator and players. This is a game of interaction and the joy of discovery about new or existing friends.

Any number of players can play. Sitting around a table sets a comfortable zone, not intimidating, not demanding. People can say what they want. There is no right nor wrong, just the story from the person telling it. 

A GAME THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE

CONNECT – In this game, questions are asked to help participants get to know one another. It helps with socialization of groups of those who otherwise might have opportunities to be around people.

The game is based on stories generated through memories resulting from questions on cards. Each person’s story is unique and might trigger stories from others.

The facilitator prepares questions on cards ahead of time, each card with a separate question. Content of questions will reflect age range of players. They are not to be trick questions, or test questions, but questions that evoke memories. Details really do not matter. It is the discussion between people that ensues that makes this game work.

Prepare a minimum of twice or three times the number of people playing. (example: 5, including facilitator, means minimum of 10 or 15 questions.) Sometimes these cards have been previously prepared for more people and that ‘deck’ can be used.

The facilitator begins by explaining the game. They pick up the first card to show how the game works. They share first because a person living with dementia may “play off” of that and be able to be part of the activity. Then the first person to the left of the facilitator continues the play. The play continues to the left. The compete circle has been completed when it is again the facilitator’s turn. ‘Used’ cards can be put in a separate stack to the side or on the bottom of the pile following each turn, depending if you decide to use them a second time that game, or not. 

The first person picks up a card from a stack in the middle of the table and reads it to the group. Then that person answers the question until finished with what they would like to say. It may be a lot or little. Any others can then answer as well, although not required, one by one, with facilitator acknowledging those who would like to speak. A discussion among participants may begin and would go until ready to move on to the next person and next card and a new question.

The end is decided ahead of time by determining either the number of questions each person will answer ( or answering every card) or the time allotted for the game after each person has answered one question.

Questions you might include on your cards. One question per card, written on just one side of the card. You can use 3″ x 5″ or 4″ x 6″ file cards with questions on side with lines. Decorate the card backs if you like or make that a group project at some point before adding questions. Add your own questions.

  1. What were some of the chores you did as a youth?
  2. How would you describe your town?
  3. If you went back to school now, what would you like to learn?
  4. Do you remember your grandparents?
  5. What was your favourite vacation sport?
  6. How would you describe your most fun adventure?
  7. What advice would you give youth today?
  8. What motivates you to wake up in the morning?
  9. What is your favourite thing you did in your work?
  10. What do you like to do in your free time?
  11. What did your family do together?
  12. Do you have a favourite movie?
  13. Have you ever cooked? What did you make?
  14. What did you do after school when you were young?
  15. Did you have a pet? Tell us about it. Or did you know someone with a pet?
  16. Did you ever go swimming? where?
  17. Would you like to go into outer space?
  18. Did you ever visit a farm? What did you like best?
  19. Tell us about where you grew up…the house or the town?
  20. What was a favourite story someone read to you or you read?
  21. Have you ever played music or sung songs? Explain.
  22. Have you ever painted? Tell us about it.
  23. Have you ever built something? Tell us about it.
  24. Did you drive a car? Tell us about it.
  25. Where do you go walking? at home? the park? the mall?

For such an activity you might have snacks afterwards so the group can continue their socializing.

Reminder: These questions might also just be just good communication generators. People with dementia do better with more specific, basic, simple questions.

Game of Connect February 06, 2024 Judith Allen Shone