It wouldn’t be right to not look at games in a community focused on play so here’s something fun to ponder. While the rules of games change from country to country, the spirit of play is a universal language. Whether it’s Mancala in Africa, Mahjong in China, or Tag in an alley in Chicago, games are how children learn to navigate "Collaborative Friction." In a world that pushes kids toward professionalized, high-stakes sports, which can add immense weight and pressure, global games remind us that play can be simple, social, and accessible to everyone. Speaking of pushing kids into high stakes sports, if you ever want to hear my story with my son and tennis, let me know. I’m not sure how things work in other countries but in the states, sports pressure is real and it’s not always pretty. Today, we are celebrating the fact that no matter where you go on this planet, if you have a handful of stones or a bit of string, you have everything you need to belong.

Let’s have some fun today and leave our boxed board games behind. For this activity you and your kids will try a game that has been played for centuries in another part of the world using only what you have on hand. Getting Started: 1. Search for a "Traditional game from [Country]" that uses only simple materials. (Try: "How to play Otedama" from Japan, "How to play Pallanguzhi" from India, or "How to play Marbles"). 2. Set up the game using buttons, beans, pebbles, or even small rolled-up socks. 3. Play three rounds. Focus on the flow of the game rather than who is winning. The Twist: The "Rule Exchange." After the first round, "collaborate" on a new rule that changes the game’s "pressure." Maybe you have to play with your non-dominant hand, or you have to give a compliment every time you score. Options for Older Kids: Ages 9–11 (The Game Historian): Search for the history of a game they already love (like Chess or Futbol or if you’re in the USA Soccer). Trace its "ancestry" back to its original culture. Ages 12–14 (The Logic Audit): Compare a "Strategy" game (like Mancala) to a "Luck" game (like Ludo). Ask: "Which one makes you feel more 'pressure' to be perfect? Why?" Ages 15–17 (The Spirit of Play): Search for the "Ethical rules" of different global sports (like the concept of Haka in Rugby or the "Respect" protocols in Martial Arts). Ask: "How would our local high school sports change if these values were the most important thing on the scoreboard?" Your Turn Which global game did you try? Was it harder or easier than the games you usually play?

Let’s extend a warm welcome to our newest community members @Wendy Lee-Chu and @Charlie Svensson You joined at a great time. Take a few minutes to explore. You’ll find play ideas under Play Ideas and Prompts or Games. The Free4All is your place to ask questions, share tips, ideas, and favorite games. Happy to have you here.

Issue 07 of Skool Magazine is out! Anyone else remember the old commercial from the 70’s where the kid proclaims, “It’s Shake and Bake, and I helped!” No, that’s okay. I feel the same way about Issue 07 of Skool Magazine. I was selected to help on the issue and what a great experience learning how to create a magazine. The Latest Issue of SkoolMagazine is Available to Read Here: https://skoo.ly/readissue07now Made by Skoolers For Skoolers I hope you enjoy the issue. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Why Sharing Your Vulnerabilities Builds Stronger Communities Why Being A "Know It All" Kills Community Growth Skool Extensions To Lift Your Skool Game 10 Steps to Fail Your Community Community is Not a Commodity Consistency Over Content The Ed Sullivan Principle Pivoting Is Starting Over Skool News Roundup Skool Wordsearch and more

Let’s extend a warm welcome to our newest community members @Allan Webster and @Michelle Fuentes We’re excited to have you here. We just finished an exploration of Easter traditions and activities and will take a breather tomorrow. This is a great time to explore the community and please introduce yourselves. To help you get started you’ll find most activities under Play Prompts or Games. We’ve just started Saturday Free4All where members are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and more. There are some fun topics such as how to journal, springtime French words, the role of apologies, and curiosity in our lives.