Rolling the Dice on Learning: A Coastal Twist to a Classic Game

Who knew a simple Talking Topics board game by the British Council could turn into such an exciting way to review our lessons on coastal ecosystems and sandy beaches? All it took was a dice, some question cards, and a room full of curious minds.

As the dice rolled and tokens moved across the board, questions came alive. Children recalled facts, connected ideas, and sometimes paused to think harder. What stood out most was how this game became more than just a review—it became a safe space. A space where students could openly say, “I’m not sure about this,” without fear of judgment. That honesty opened doors to deeper learning and meaningful clarifications.

And then came the actions! From “walking like a crab” to “swaying like a sea anemone” and even “casting a fisherman’s net,” the room filled with laughter, a little shyness, and a whole lot of joy. These moments of giggles made science feel alive and reminded us that learning can—and should—be fun.

What’s powerful about this experience is the bigger message: formative and even summative assessments don’t have to be stressful—they can be playful, interactive, and stigma-free. A simple game turned into an opportunity to check understanding, clear misconceptions, and encourage honesty about what was not understood—all while having fun together. Sometimes the simplest tools—like a board game—can transform assessments into joyful, low-stress experiences. When learning feels like play, curiosity and confidence thrive.