Friendship First

Publisher:  Project Ploughshares, Conrad Grebel College, Waterloo, Canada
Year Published:  1980
Pages:  30pp   Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX2152

Abstract: 
This manual on co-operative games was created for use in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario Playground and Adventure Programs. Many of the games described can be played by both children and adults.

The preface states that the manual was designed to be an introduction to games which stimulated friendship and problem-solving. Other gaols of the manual involve the promotion of experiential, participatory play, versus just observing, and reflection/interpretation of "enjoyable" play. The manual stresses the importance of "learning to be supported by a value base" and of drawing participants toward cooperation and peacemaking.

The games are designed to create an atmosphere in which conflict can be resolved in a non-violent manner. The games encourage participants to share their feelings in conflict situations so that they will manage their anger, fear and other difficult feelings in a more constructive manner.

The games stress cooperation and friendship rather than competition. The manual points out that while some aspects of competition are healthy, there are elements of competition that are destructive to participants. "If we enter a game as friends, we should leave as friends".

The manual outlines about fifty cooperative games and activities. The majority of props or materials necessary for playing these games are readily available in most households. The manual also contains an annotated bibliography of films and books on the subject of cooperation.

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