In this ongoing class, players will be introduced to others who share their passion for designing, customizing, harvesting and shopping on their island. We will discuss our treasured creations, travel to each other’s islands to collect fruit and other resources and watch video clips of the pros playing the game to gain helpful insight into some lesser known tricks and tips. During class, students will have the opportunity to visit my islands (yes, I have two!) to collect resources, such as bells, DIY materials, recipes, clothing items, gold nuggets, home furnishings, and various other in-game items. This is meant to be a fun, social group and sharing dodo codes and inviting others to their islands is completely optional. Some students have been known to play their own video game the entire class and just listen to others share their ideas, skills, and tips. But these kids rely on this group to connect, even if they are not actively participating. That is okay by me and no student has to contribute or participate in any way they are not comfortable with. Note: This class requires the students to possess the Animal Crossing: New Horizons video game for the Nintendo Switch. Also, for students to "travel" to other islands, a subscription to Nintendo Online is required. Again, this is not required to join the group but students without the subscription will not have the ability to visit others' islands. 

As a facilitator of several popular video game groups, I have enjoyed watching friendships blossom among the like-minded players. Some gamers are attracted to playing video games because they lack a real connection with most of their peers and the pandemic has been particularly isolating to these kids without connections. Other kids enjoy playing and talking about their favorite games to anyone with ears. Like my own son, kids who play video games often disconnect from the world around them. I have found that uniting kids with similar video game interests builds confidence and valuable social skills while making meaningful connections with the world around them.