→THE CLASS←
Each week will follow the same format:
① Brief introductions and a simple icebreaker question or activity
② Review rules and game mechanics as needed
③ Play! (We will have time for one game each week)

→THE GAME←
Settlers of Catan is a wildly popular board game - and one of my personal favorites. Players compete to build roads, settlements, and cities while collecting resources and avoiding the robber.

This game can be highly strategic, and is also influenced by luck (rolls of the dice), and negotiation skills. Serious, casual, first-time, and experienced players are invited to join. Players are able (and encouraged) to sabotage each other, and each game results in one winner and everyone else losing. 

→THE ONLINE ADAPTATION←
To play Settlers of Catan online, we will use the free website Colonist (colonist.io). Each player needs to create a free account BEFORE they come to class. Write down the username and password and tape it to the computer so we can maximize playing time and minimize logging in time. 

Colonist is free to use and does not run ads, but does include in-game purchases. Our class will NOT be using any feature of the site that requires additional money. 


→BENEFITS OF PLAYING BOARD GAMES←
I believe playing games with real people introduces incredible life lessons, like...

∙ Winning and losing with grace
∙ Managing emotions
∙ Conversations skills
∙ Learning from your mistakes
∙ Basic strategy, planning ahead, and long-term thinking
∙ Consequences of choices
∙ Creating your own fun

...all in a safe, forgiving, low-risk environment.


→THE TEACHER←
A former Teen Center Director for my local Boys & Girls Club, I love games of all kinds, but especially board games. I have years of experience teaching new games to teenagers at their own pace while helping everyone feel involved and heard. My favorite games are Ticket to Ride, Concept, Rummikub, Scum, and of course, Settlers of Catan.