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Putting Words to Work™

Putting Words to Work® is an educational board game designed to teach important communication skills to students in grades 8-12 and to adults. Players learn vital communication skills as they help Olin, the star of a new TV series, succeed on the job. Players help Olin handle problems with bosses, co-workers, and customers. Since the story line in the game takes place in a work setting, the game is an ideal school-to-career educational experience. The communication skills are of great value to the students not only in work settings, but also with friends, family, and in all interpersonal situations. The game covers situations such as how to disagree with a supervisor in an assertive yet respectful way, how to criticize without lowering others' self-esteem, how to show empathy, how to be persuasive by effectively using facts, etc.

Communication skills are difficult to teach using traditional learning designs. This game offers a fun and effective way of introducing and teaching the skills.

In the game players are in the role of script writers for a new TV show. The plot of the show unfolds in the Script Cards, which the players take turns picking. Players win play money by selecting lines that use the communications skills that the director has specified on the cards. Players enhance the lines with specific tones of voice and body language. The backs of the cards give the correct answer and, when appropriate, a rationale for the correct answer.

Included with the game is a color poster listing the communication skills. Teachers are encouraged to put up the poster in the classroom and keep it up in subsequent classes for the purpose of continued reinforcement of the communication skills. A "Teachers Materials" booklet is included with complete lesson plans.


Grades 8-adult This game is appropriate for school-to-career courses as well as any course in which communication skills and social skills are being taught.

SCANS Skills Addressed:

Foundation Skills: Thinking Skills, Personal Qualities, Basic Skills
Workplace Competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Information

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn important communication skills that can be effectively
used with supervisors, co-workers, customers, friends, family, and groups.

2. Learn to be assertive without being aggressive.

3. Learn to disagree without reducing the self-esteem of others.

4. Learn to show empathy, read non-verbal cues, and improve listening skills.

5. Learn to be persuasive by supporting one's position with facts.

6. Learn critical thinking skills by evaluating suggestions for dealing
with interpersonal situations.

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