I had no idea that my baby would be born with a rare cranio facial condition. Essentially, the left hand side of this face never formed and he was born with no eye, eye socket, nostril or ear. Despite being a twin and having lots of scans, his syndrome was never detected so to say I was stunned is an understatement and I struggled for a while to forgive myself for something which actually was never my fault.
Over the years Harry has had extensive reconstructive surgery to correct what mother nature omitted and I have become passionate about raising awareness that people who may look different are still as important and precious as anyone else. So, when I saw ‘Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game’ mentioned on Twitter I was keen to find out more.
The board game has been created by Focus Games, who pride themselves on developing bespoke games that address specific medical issues as well as sensitive social issues such as appearance. They developed the game in partnership with academics at the Centre for Appearance Research, who focus on the role of appearance and body image in people’s lives.
The idea of playing a game with children to develop their understanding of issues like visible differences really excited me as it felt like a natural extension to my own assemblies as part of my charity More Than a Face and as a teacher myself I could see it being used as part of awareness days and PHSCE sessions.
Focus Games and I decided to collaborate and so I went into a local school to play the game with a group of year 5 pupils and get their feedback. As a teacher I know too well that sometimes, the best lesson plans on paper can fall flat in the reality of the classroom so I was interested to know whether the game would be as well received as I hoped.
The game itself is played by two teams (my pupils opted for a boy / girl split) of any number although I think 3 – 5 in a team is probably about right.
The aim of the game is to progress round the path on the board with the first one reaching the end being the winner – a simple concept.
On the way, pupils encounter questions which make them discuss different issues and scenarios. Some cards ask questions such as “why do people have scars or marks on their bodies” tackling subjects such as physical differences head on. Others such as “Imagine we all looked exactly the same – can you think of a problem this might cause at school?” encourage pupils to think about the importance of diversity. Some questions even encourage them to use cross curricular knowledge such as “Name someone in a book or film who didn’t turn out to be how you expected.”
Other cards use visual prompts with images to discuss such as “why do you think this lady has this appearance?” and some encourage pupils to realise that actually, appearance tells us nothing about the person (which I love as it fits so well with my own views and charity aims.) Suggested answers are given and points are awarded if pupils give sensible answers. There are no wrong answers and pupils only move backwards on the board if they happen to land on a square with that instruction – which the other team always love!
It was fascinating to see the children open up in their thinking and their answers as the game progressed and at times, challenge each other’s thinking. For example, one question asked if a person’s appearance made a difference to how well they could perform their job. Instantly everyone said “No, it shouldn’t matter” but then, and with very little intervention from me, they started to talk about attributes that are important for certain roles – a smart business man who wants to be taken seriously, a strong fire fighter who people will depend on in an emergency. I loved watching them discuss with each other the various tasks and change their opinions in a constructive and positive way.
The game took us about 40 minutes to complete. It can be played quicker if two dice are used but I really wanted the pupils to answer as many questions as they could to be able to give me an informed opinion.
As I packed the board game away I asked for some feedback on the last hour or so. This is what the pupils said:
Robert “I thought it was really competitive and good fun. I enjoyed it”
John “It was fun! I learnt a bit more about certain conditions that people have. I hadn’t heard of some of them”
Jimmy “It was really good. The questions really made me think”
Lilly “I learned more about things I didn’t know anything about before”
Layla “I learned that you cant judge people by what they look like. It makes you realise how lucky you are when other people struggle”
Evie “I really enjoyed it. I didn’t know anything about alopecia before today”
Daisy “I have learned that everyone is unique and you cant tell what people are like just from their appearance”
When I asked the pupils if they thought it was a game that other pupils should play they answered with a resounding “YES!” and I have to agree. Although, as with everything, on its own I don’t think it can completely inform and change opinion, it is an essential tool for prompting conversation on topics which might otherwise not be addressed.
In a day and age where social media has never been more influential, Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game is a great reminder that people are so much more than simply what they look like. As a teacher, I see the game being used as part of PHSCE groups, and as a parent of a child with facial disfigurement I would love to see every school playing it on Facial Equality day on 23rd May 2018. Read more about the game at www.appearancegame.com
I’d love to know what you think of the concept!
Chat soon,
Charlie xxx
If you would like to read the first chapter of my book, click here for a free download or here to purchase the book which is out now with brilliant reviews
I think this game sounds like a great idea and hopefully will be rolled out across most schools to raise awareness.
I would love to see that! C x
What a brilliant idea! It’s good to get the children talking with each other about something other than YouTube stars 🙂
Totally agree Steph! Cx
What a fantastic idea for a game. I’ll definitely be seeking this one out.
Its really great! Hope you enjoy it x
Glad to see such positive opinions on our game, it’s available at http://appearancegame.com/ and we hope you will love it!
I love the idea of this, it would be brilliant for my pupils. I think we need to invest in a copy for school.
Its a really great way of opening a potentially sensitive conversation C x
So glad you like it, any teachers or parents wishing to get a copy of the game can do so at http://appearancegame.com/
Lovely looking game and definitely should be seen more in schools.
Absolutely! x
I think it sounds great. First I’ve heard about this game
Me too! Im so glad I came across it C x
I think this game sounds like a really good idea and will hopefully help children to build on their self confidence and self esteem x
Definitely! C x
Brilliant idea for a game
And the kids really enjoy it! C x
I think it’s a great idea
Me too! C x
This is a brilliant idea, kids are very curious and don’t always think about what they say so I think this would help
Yes I totally agree. Awareness and understanding leads to acceptance and kindness C x
looks fun x
It really is. The children get so competitive! C x
its different
And different is a great thing C x
I think its a brilliant idea
Me too! C x
Absolutely love it work in a school doing social and emotional this would be good
Yes I can definitively see a place for it within PHSCE and smaller group activities C x
Would bring out some fresh ideas and possibly help with self confidence too
Yes I totally agree C x
Brilliant idea I would love to win fingers crossed
Good luck Jessica! C x
Great idea – why has nobody thought of this before
So simple yet so effective
Absolutely! I really hope it takes off
I love playing games with the kids and talking about something other than Paw Patrol!
Haha! Fingers crossed you win and get to chat with them about this for a change 🙂
I think it sounds great sounds different, and could be really entertaining
Yes, it really is a different idea so its a fresh game to play C x
What a lovely, clever idea!
Great isnt it! C x
Great idea, as we all should be accepting of one another :- Whether we look alike, or different. As we are not all the same, we need to be accepting of differences, as well as similarities. Sometimes knowledge can prepare children and adults to be accepting and considerate and courteous. Respect, patience, etc may need to be developed. Knowledge can assist understanding. Board game likely to encourage Community Spirit, etc.
Lets hope so! C x
Amazing
Thank you Cx
What a great idea for a game, really got the pupils thinking (and hopefully carry on thinking) x
Yes thats the hope C x
i think its good to teach kids that not everyone is the same and to create acceptance x
Definitely C x
Sounds fabulous & would be a great resource for our Brownie Guides
Ooooo absolutely! One to look at even if you dont win but good luck ! C x
Glad you like it, if you’d like a copy for your youth groups you can visit http://www.appearancegame.com
I think its a great idea! Perfect way to start up a sensitive subject for some.
Yes, sometimes those conversations just need a little bit of guidance C x
I think it’s a fab idea to encourage kids to talk openly about sometimes difficult subjects xx
Yes, that’s exactly it C x
It can only be a positive thing – great idea x
Absolutely! C x
This is such a lovely idea for a game, I’d love to see this used in schools!
Me too! 🙂
I think this is a fantastic idea. Hopefully, it will help make a difference in our filtered world of personal “brands.”
Absolutely! C x
Sounds like a good way for children to learn about diversity. Thanks for running this comp
Thanks very much. Good luck! Cx
Looks an interesting and informative game for all!
Yes, it really is a great tool to start some meaningful conversations
Great idea. My son gets comments about his elf ears!
Aww thats terrible. Hopefully a game like this will prompt conversations to raise awareness to prevent comments like that. C x
I think the idea of this game is amazing. All kids should learn that we are all different and that is ok
Totally agree! C x
Such a great idea – especially around the age kids become more aware of differences. But adults should play this too as they would learn something – kids follow their parents’ example.
Couldnt agree more! C x
i think its a wonderful idea to help to encourage children to understand that everyone has different characteristics but at the same time we are all the same and should be treat that way too! Fab Idea!
Definitely, it really gets them to think about what appearance actually tells us (very little) x
i think its a fabulous idea
Me too 🙂 Much needed too C x
Sounds great
It really is C x
I think it’s a brilliant game and will really help children learn that people are different
Me too. It definitely stimulates conversation around a topic that you might not otherwise address C x
It sounds like fantastic idea.
I agree! C x
I think it looks a great game, people are different its not all appearance though
Absolutely, its about getting to know WHO people are and not just what they look like C x
I think its really positive especially how there is so much pressure on apperance these days
Absolutely, and people are feeling it younger and younger nowadays which is really sad C x
I agree, board games are great at teaching patience, world-knowledge and tactics! we love playing Risk for just that problem-solving learning experience!
Definitely, they teach us so many skills dont they! C x
In a word, it is fantastic. So many people smugly declare that they do not have prejudice against certain well publicised groups while continuing to display both overt and covert prejudice against other, less well known groups. I applaud anything that breaks down these barriers.
Fantastic comment! Thank you C x
Thanks susan for these great comments, you can get the game at http://www.appearancegame.com if you are interested!
A great idea – great to help with discrimination problems and bullying
I think this game sounds like a good idea and will help children to build on their self confidence.
this sounds like a grat idea!! would be great to use this game in schools to x
This is a wonderful idea, it’s so important to educate children about peoples differences and the board game is a simple and fun way to do that!x
Exactly that, simple and fun C x
I think this is a great idea!
I have just come across this, and I’m so glad I have, I’m also very passionate about this, I’m a paramedic and I work tirelessly explaining to my own children about how everyone is different, I see so many different people everyday that I always explain to my children that we never ever treat anyone differently. I’m so glad I found this site.
I love that you try to explain though. Many parents just wouldn’t bother but its so important C x
This sounds a great idea
It really is C x
This is a brilliant idea to get kids talking about those are different
Definitely C x
I’m not sure about this game. I’d like to know more about it. Discussing appearance is a positive thing, but as long as it’s done in a positive way.
Check it out on the website. There is a link in the blog. As a teacher and a parent I highly recommend it C x
This sounds like a great game, Id never heard of it before but will have to find it for my girls
I hadnt either until I saw it on twitter. So glad I found it C x
I think the game is brilliant, not just for kids, because adults stare too at any disfigurement’s, I know this happens from adults just as much, because I am a disabled adult myself. At least from kids they want to know why you look like you do, from adults it’s just pure rudeness
Yes I agree. Hopefully we can help to change the attitudes of the next generation C x
sounds like a great way to raise awareness
I totally agree C x
I think its a great idea and must help some children. Thanks for the competition..
I think it’s a brilliant game. Thanks for the chance xx
It’s a brilliant idea! My niece has cerebellar ataxia, and therefore has speech impairment, is in a wheelchair, and has to push herself around on her bum because, in simple terms, her brain can’t send the messages to her legs to walk. It is important to promote the message that although we look different, we are all the same but unique.
Definitely and that your niece has just as much to offer as others, just in a different way. Difference is a good thing C x
i think this is a brilliant idea
This amazing game could help tackle bullying. My son was bullied in school for being slightly different. A game like this might change his classmates’ attitudes and my kid wouldn’t have to go through the ordeal of being bullied.
Thats definitely the intention behind the game. Awareness leads to understanding and acceptance C x
brilliant idea
Sounds great !!
It really is C x
Great looking game would make the perfect family game also great for schools x
Yes, we loved it as a family and definitely agree its great in schools C x
I think this is an excellent idea I have a child with disability and I think more should be done to educate people that everyone is different ?
Yep, totally agree C x
i think its a lovely idea
I think it’s a great idea to let young people know that it’s actually OK to talk about appearances, so long as you approach it in the right way.
Yes exactly, teaching them compassion and the art of sensitive conversation early C x
I think it is a great idea, makes it fun discussing these kind of things
Definitely! C x
Definitely, it can be a sensitive topic but this helps a lot C x
I think it’s fantastic some children and also adults don’t understand the reasons behind why people may look different and personally as I’m someone with tumours on the neck area I fully understand and I think it’s very good
Exactly, often its a lack of knowledge that leads to the behaviours that can hurt. I really do hope it helps to raise awareness and improve understanding C x
My daughter has vitiligo (same as Michael Jackson had where the skin turns white). She has had to contend with the comments and looks all her life, She has never had a problem at school because she can tell them about it. The game sounds a great idea to get people talking
Absolutely, its much needed C x
Charlie,
Firstly I want to say that Harry was then & i’m sure is now beautiful! I know you want the best for your angels & the game is fab & the children’s comments were so meaningful!
We all need to be more concerned with the beauty on the inside & I always tell my girls they are kind beautiful girls. Kind comes first as I think it’s the most important quality for us all.
This game gives me hope for a less looks obsessed future.
♡Thanks for the opportunity♡
Thanks so much! I agree that Kind needs to come first, every time C x
I think it’s great,my niece was born with only 1 ear and although she’s perfectly happy with it,there is the odd time when she gets bullied by another child.
Hopefully a game like this would help them to see that her merits matter so much more than her differences C x
Thanks to everyone who entered this great competition, if anyone would like to find out more about the game please visit http://www.appearancegame.com! Or you can drop an email to Focus Games who developed the game at info@focusgames.com