Circles’ roundup: Game, set and match
Playing board games can enhance group members’ writing skills, suggests Julie Phillips
A writing group has many functions. One of these is to serve as a platform for members’ ideas and work, another is to inform and educate. But one of the main reasons why your members pitch up meeting after meeting is because writing can be a solitary occupation and they like the social aspect of the group.
This month why not encourage this social aspect by allowing group members to explore their playful side? The idea of this workshop is to appeal to your members’ competitive and strategic nature. Bring in a selection of board games – this shouldn’t be too taxing a request as most of your members will have a board game or two lying about their houses. Set up each game on a separate table in a different part of the room and ask members to head for the game that appeals to them most. Don’t worry if a lot of people are drawn to the same game – everyone will have a chance to play each game if they wish.