Teachers' zone
Using the games
Like the Sneezesafe* stories, the games can be used with a whole class via a digital projector or interactive whiteboard, or in groups with a PC. Pupils can take turns to have a go at using the mouse or they can choose the correct option by voting using a show of hands. Once pupils know how to play the games they can have a go at workstations in small groups or individually with supervision. Smaller children might have trouble reaching the top of the interactive whiteboard – in which case, they can use the mouse at the computer, or a ruler or paintbrush to move items over the board.
Teachers will need to introduce the online games and read the instructions at first, but pupils are likely to pick up what they need to do quickly. They can be used to stimulate discussion about correct tissue use and how viruses spread. It is important to emphasise throughout that in real life cold and flu germs are too small to see, however, and that this makes them all the more troublesome.
The lesson plans include ideas for when and how to use the games and for practical follow-up classroom activities which will further strengthen learning. Please note that the timings given are an approximation and will vary depending on pupils’ working abilities.
