Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Real Game a game or a program?

The Real Game is a demanding and ambitious career development program, fully compliant with the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs competencies and performance indicators for the Junior High/Middle School level. However, the program is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, students have fun as they learn about adult life and work roles in the context of their own career and educational planning. The Real Game is an educational program with clearly defined learning objectives and performance indicators, presented in the form of a game.

How much time does it take to play The Real Game?

It takes from 20 to 25 hours of class time to complete the core activities of the program. Optional activities are also included in the Facilitator's Guide, which complement the core activities and create opportunities to involve more working people from the community, other teachers, parents/guardians. Also, other career interventions, resources and curricula tend to have enhanced impact when linked to The Real Game. Thus, the program can be played in an intensive week or be extended for a term, a semester or even a full year.

Although complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans are provided for facilitators, training is strongly recommended. Both students and teachers benefit more from the program when facilitators attend a training session.

How do I get the training I need?

The Department of Education in each Canadian province and territory has designated a Real Game Series Coordinator who coordinates training and awareness-raising activities and events for all programs in The Real Game Series. You can get in touch with your Coordinator through the Career Services unit of your Department of Education, or through the National Life/Work Centre (1-888-579-1396).

Can The Real Game be presented as a community project outside the classroom?

Yes, as long as facilitators have experience in classroom or group-learning environments. For example, the program can be very popular at summer camps or evening/weekend sessions with community groups. If facilitators are not teachers experienced with the program, it is recommended that they attend The Real Game training.

How does the game integrate with regular curricula?

In over 70,000 classrooms now using programs in The Real Game Series, a team-teaching approach is most common. English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Family and Consumer Science, Geography, Physical Education and other teachers, as well as career counsellors, librarians, administrators, parent volunteers and peer facilitators (students from high school grades), can all facilitate key activities in the program.

This is not recommended. The Real Game is more beneficial in a classroom or group setting where a "mini-society" can be created with at least 15 to 20 participants. Group interaction contributes greatly to the perceived reality and effectiveness of the program.

Yes. This is one in a series of six developmentally-sequenced programs, all keyed to the competencies and performance indicators of the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs. The complete Series includes:

The Play Real Game - Grades 3-4
The Make It Real Game - Grades 5-6
The Real Game - Grades 7-8
The Be Real Game - Grades 9-10
The Get Real Game - Grades 11-12
Real Times, Real Life - Adults