Games and Toys in Different Eras | Active Summary

Objectives

1.  Understand and compare games and play activities from different times and places.

2. ️ Develop critical observation skills when analyzing the changes and evolutions of games throughout history.

3.  Explore how games reflect and shape culture and society over time.

Contextualization

Have you ever stopped to think about how the games you love today have roots that stretch across centuries and continents? For example, chess, which many consider an intellectual game, was a popular pastime among nobles and peasants in medieval Europe. Understanding the history of these games not only shows us how societies have evolved but also reveals how people in different times and places enjoyed themselves and interacted. This playful dive into the history of games is not only fascinating but also enriching, as it helps us appreciate cultural diversity and the evolution of our own pastimes.

Important Topics

Medieval Games

Medieval games were intrinsically linked to daily life and often served as training for skills necessary for life, such as warfare and hunting. These games frequently reflected the social structure of the time, with games like 'Royal Chessboard' symbolizing power and hierarchy at court.

• They were played by all social classes, although each had its own types of games that reflected their realities.

• Many medieval games were board games involving strategy and planning, such as 'Tablut', played by Vikings.

• The interaction between games and education was strong, with games like 'Alquerque' being used to teach military strategy.

Play Activities in Colonial Brazil

During the colonial period, play activities in Brazil were influenced by indigenous, African, and Portuguese cultures, creating a rich diversity of playful activities. Games like 'Capoeira' and 'Peteca' are examples of this cultural mix, where physical skill and music combined.

• 'Capoeira' was originally a form of fighting disguised as dance that slaves used to train for self-defense and resistance.

• 'Peteca' was a popular activity among indigenous people, which involved the use of a type of 'peteca' made of feathers, fabric, and lightweight stones.

• These activities were not just forms of entertainment but also carried deep cultural and historical meanings.

Games and Current Technology

Today, technology has significantly altered the way we play, introducing new forms of interaction and entertainment. Digital games, virtual reality, and simulation games are some examples demonstrating how technology has transformed the playful experience and social interaction.

• Digital games offer new possibilities for interaction and competition, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• Augmented and virtual reality have been used to create immersive experiences that connect players from around the world.

• Gamification, applying game elements in non-game contexts, has been used in education and business to motivate and engage users.

Key Terms

• Board Games: Games involving the movement of pieces or markers on a board, often with competitive or strategic objectives.

• Traditional Play Activities: Playful activities passed down from generation to generation, often reflecting cultural and social values of their community of origin.

• Virtual Reality (VR): Technology that simulates a three-dimensional environment that can be explored and interacted with by players.

• Gamification: Application of typical game elements in non-playful contexts, such as education or work, to engage and motivate participants.

To Reflect

• How has the evolution of technology influenced the nature of games and play activities over the decades?

• In what ways can games be used to preserve and transmit cultural and historical traditions?

• What is the importance of analyzing games and play activities from different cultures for understanding global diversity and history?

Important Conclusions

• We explored how games and play activities have evolved over the ages, reflecting not only technological changes but also social and cultural transformations.

• We realized the importance of each game, from medieval to contemporary, in teaching specific skills and values of their respective societies.

• We discussed how traditional play activities continue to be a bridge to the past, connecting generations and preserving cultures.

To Exercise Knowledge

1. Create your own board game that represents your family or community. Think about what challenges or objectives the game should have and what materials you can use. 2. Interview an older family member about the games they used to play as a child. Compare them with current games. 3. Write a short paragraph about how a game or play activity you enjoy today could have been played in a past era, such as the Middle Ages.

Challenge

Game Detective Challenge: Try to discover the story behind a popular game. For example, find out who invented tic-tac-toe and how it evolved over the centuries. Present your findings in a short video or presentation to the class.

Study Tips

• Use online resources, such as videos and articles, to deepen your knowledge about the history of games and play activities.

• Keep a game diary, where you can record new games you learn, their rules, and the history behind them.

• Try playing traditional games from different cultures to better understand their characteristics and social meanings.