Clinical Skills Confidence: Banish the "video games" answer!

Graphics: My Cute Graphics

I don't know about you, but my sessions frequently begin like this:

Me: "Hi XXX, how are you?"

Student: "Fine."

Me: "What did you do over the weekend/last night?"

Student: "Played video games."

Sigh.

This seems to be a highly popular response. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion about technology, particularly video games. However, I got tired of hearing this response. So I decided it was time to do something about it. I'm ok with getting that response, but if this is what interests my students, then I should use it to my advantage!

What does that get you? A freebie! And maybe you'll be saved from that same response too!

I put each of the circles on a popsicle stick and put them circle side down in a cup. Students are warned as we are walking into the room that if they answer my question about their weekend with "I played video games," they will be required to pluck out the sticks and complete the corresponding language task (I decided beforehand how many I wanted them to complete). To grab your copy, click here.

I also had the students write down some of the video games they play, so I could find out more and maybe know what they were talking about for the next time. I'd love to know if you plan on trying this!