Game On

Student-Led Games That Ignite Leadership, Learning, and a Whole Lot of Fun

It all started with a Grade 1 student who showed me the instructions for a game she had created called Police. She had every detail written out procedurally, and the lightning bolt hit: could Grade 1 and 2 students lead each other in a game of their own creation?

My answer became a Building Outside the Blocks (BOB) project I called Game On!

The Idea Behind the Project

The idea is simple: each student leads a game of their choice. But the learning goes far beyond play.

The project aligns beautifully with the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum, which emphasizes developing personal and interpersonal skills, self-esteem, and joy in being active.

Students are responsible for communicating the rules clearly, preparing materials, and guiding their classmates through the game. Even in Grade 1, they’re learning procedural writing, organization, leadership, and communication—all through joyful, active play.

From Grade 1 to Grade 8

I first designed Game On! for Grade 1 and later facilitated it with Grade 8 students. It really works across ages.

Younger students share simple games like tag, follow-the-leader, or ones from their cultural backgrounds. Older students take on complex, strategy-based activities, especially when working in groups. For collaboration, they complete a pie chart showing each member’s contribution—a great way to reflect on teamwork.

Each student signs up to teach or lead a physical activity for DPA. Because it’s a home-prepared BOB project, they must also pre-submit an equipment list to show their planning.

Preparation and Pride

I was amazed by how many Grade 1 and 2 students typed out their instructions and practised for weeks before their big day.

One of my favourite memories is of a student learning English who created a game called Robots and Humans. While it was like tag, she added creative touches: paper hearts for the humans, gloves for the robots, and the rule that when all your hearts were taken, you became a robot. Every detail was hers. Her pride and joy that day were unforgettable.

Even familiar games like soccer became lessons in clarity, fairness, and preparation. Whatever game students led, they discovered that leadership requires being ready, adaptable, and open to change.

Creativity, Community, and the Power of Take 2

The Grade 8s brought their own flair—some even tried to turn video games into gym activities, complete with sound effects! Not every idea worked perfectly, but that was part of the learning. Our class learned to be kind when confused and patient when things glitched.

I believe in giving students opportunities for guided failure—what I call a Take 2. When things don’t go as planned, students get a second chance to reflect, adjust, and try again. It’s incredible to see how much they grow from that experience.

Three students took a Take 2 and came back stronger, proud of their improvements. Those moments are what learning is all about.

Whose Game On! Is It Today?

Soon, students were asking this daily. They were genuinely excited, responsible, and accountable for their own and each other’s learning.

They offered feedback with kindness, celebrated each other’s creativity, and built a strong sense of community. I’ll never forget when the student who started it all said to a classmate,

“I like that your Game On! encouraged people to try something new.”

That one sentence captured everything this project is about: empowering students to teach, lead, and learn from one another.

Why I Love Game On!

If you’re looking for a way to empower your students, encourage leadership, and infuse joy into Physical Education or DPA, give Game On! a try.

Each Game On! becomes a moment of creativity and connection, and every student gets the chance to shine.

It’s one of those projects that reminds me why I became an educator: watching students grow, take risks, and lead with confidence is pure magic.