An Introduction to Virtual Play - the WAY Game

Get Ready in 13 Simple Steps

 Step 1: Acquire a CAP Notebook

This is your personal game journal and learning companion. A possible daily reflection tool, a brain workout as you summarize your day. You’ll find 60 CAP Note graphic organizers, each associated with a faded graphic. [Faded so your handwritten notes show up better.]

 Step 2: Open to a Random Graphic Page

Flip to any page in your CAP Notebook and find a black-and-white graphic.

 Write down the page number — this is your theme prompt for the game. Random selection of a graphic page in your CAP Notebook will come into play later. Turn to page 8 and, next to Pencil #3 {Draw It}, enter the number of your randomly selected page. Study the front and back pages of your notebook to deepen your understanding of the power of CAP Notebooks

 Step 3: Rank the 7 WAY Games on the page

Review the description of the 7 WAY Games and rank them in order of your personal preference. This gives you insight into your learning style and game strengths.

The WAY Game recognizes that people have different gifts, talents, and skills, and some are better at certain things than others. 'Under the hood,' you find the influence of Howard Gardner's work on Multiple Intelligences. Each game was designed to develop a different skill: recall, act, draw, spell/define, questions, speak, move and 'grove'.

 Based on the name of the game, use a process of elimination. Rank the 7 games with number 1 being your favourite game, [the one you would be best at], with 7 being your least favourite game. This handicapping system will play into scoring.

[See score sheet sample. Having your Name, email, and Team name is reserved for 'Pub Play'.

 Step 4: Fill Out the “Today” Section P. #2

'Today' is one section taken from Pathfinder, a student learning profile - information a teacher needs to customize instruction for a student. Pathfinder is also used as a team-building exercise to develop trust and teamwork among students. The WAY Game was designed to help classmates get to know and trust one another better in school, thereby reducing bullying. The section is called Today because this is what you know about yourself today - it may change tomorrow, and that's ok. It's called growth. Or maybe 'squirrel'. These bits of information about you will be surrendered to the other team when you lose a challenge. [More later] If there is something you don't have an answer to, or don't want to share, leave it blank. It's ok.

 Step 5: Read the Rules

Brush up on how each of the seven games works. You’ll find a summary in your CAP Notebook and my Blog posts at thewaygame.ca. or online at thewaygame.ca.

 Step 6: Review the Sample CAP Note and Player Score Sheet

Understanding how your answers and actions are scored helps you play with more purpose (and fun!).

 Step 7: Fill In Your First CAP Note (Page 8)

Use your randomly selected graphic as inspiration and complete your first CAP Note.

Remember:

• C = Curriculum content = Main Ideas

• A = Associations = Memory Triggers

• P = Pictographs and processes = Right brain stimulation improves recall

 Step 8: Trace Erin Sliding (Page 9)

Turn to page 9 and trace the image of Erin on her sled. [Optional] Graphics will be used for prompts for the WAY Game. Players make Q&As based on their selected prompt.

 Step 9: Create Game Questions & Activities

Based on your CAP Note, draft:

• 1 question or activity for each of the 7 WAY Games

  
  

  (Answer It, Act It, Draw It, Spell/Define It, Question It, Speak It, Move/Groove It)

• EG. P# 37. Hiking in the fall, best hikes in Calgary, how about listing five survival items found in a person's backpack? The more practical the activity, the better.

 Preparing for Virtual Play

 Step 10: Respond to Your Host’s Invitation

Accept your invitation to play and confirm whether you’re joining as a solo player or on a team of two. Refer to the Calendar on the website for game days.

 Step 11: Choose Your Play Space

Select a quiet, well-lit area with sufficient space to move around. Ensure your camera and microphone are functioning properly. If you encounter any technical problems, you are on your own, but I recommend using AI to troubleshoot any issues that arise. [That's what I do.}

 Step 12: Set Up Your Camera

Camera setup will depend on the game you are playing. A smartphone on a tripod works best. Act It, Question It, Speak It, and Move It requires a camera on the players and more room. Answer It, Draw It, Spell/Define It, responses on written in your CAP Notebook or on a sheet of paper - your choice. Position your camera so your face is visible and your hands are free. The Host will screen capture pictures of each group's written response for evaluation.

(You may tilt the camera down during drawing or movement rounds.)

 Step 13: Gather Your Tools

Make sure your CAP Notebook, pen, and any props you may use in the game are within reach.

 The Host’s Role

Your game host helps keep everything running smoothly. They will:

• Greet all players and explain the rules

• Divide participants into balanced teams

• Moderate rounds and choose graphics and games

• Help judge or assign judges

• Keep things moving and FUN

 Tips for Playing the WAY Game Online

•  Share the spotlight — take turns when speaking or performing.

•  Use the chat feature for team coordination if needed. [Not sure how or if this is a necessary feature - we will see.

•  Be expressive — energy and creativity shine, even on camera.

•  Support your teammates and have fun — SWAY is about growth, not perfection.

 Final Thoughts

The WAY Game isn’t just a game — it’s a gateway to self-discovery, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

By playing virtually, you’re building digital confidence, learning to express yourself, and connecting with others — all while having a blast.

Game on!