The fourth Great Lesson is the Invention of Language. This game will demonstrate how effective and efficient humans are when they use language to work together. Before language, one would think that early humans primarily relied on non-verbal communication, like pointing. However, as simple words were created, likely, it didn't take long for an explosion of language to come soon after. Languages, as well as math, are the cornerstones on which civilizations were built.

I have been teaching this lesson for years. Over the hundred games I have observed, a pattern typically emerges with the types of words created first. Almost always, the first type of word created is the verb. Usually, the first word is "ball," but it is not used as a noun but as a command for "give me the ball." Soon after, we will see words like throw, catch, go, and so on, which function as commands. Then, after establishing an essential list of verbs, we start to see adjectives and even adverbs appear for a more nuanced way of communicating. Eventually (or sometimes relatively soon for some classes), the students will realize that names are words they must invent. Hence, they start creating proper nouns for faster and more efficient communication. Interestingly, we don't see many basic nouns created during the game. That is probably the function of the game, creating a need for certain types of words over others. We know that early humans gave names to every object they encountered, which required an extensive list of nouns for everything in the environment. However, there may be accurate to the game in replicating early speech patterns. Humans are social

animals that need to give directions to each other for good teamwork. So it is not implausible that the game mimics how humans developed the first languages.

This leads to rich discussions at the end of the class about the functions and origins of words. My students seem extra interested in the idea that names are not just sounds that represent a person but many times have additional meanings. For example, many names describe a job, where someone is from, or who their relatives are. This pattern of name creation can give us clues about past peoples since their names give us more information about them than just as an identifier. The students also realize how much easier the game becomes when they can instantly get the attention of someone by using a name. We also can discuss how integral language is for brain function. There is a sensitive period when a human must be exposed to language; otherwise, they will not be able to reach their full potential. In this manner, language exposure has a direct effect on our genes! The richness of discussions after this lesson makes it one of my absolute favorites!

Materials: 

·      A large playing area (gym or field)

·      Any type of ball

o   Depending on the class size, I will have three of the same type of ball in different colors. The colors designate which grade level can "score" with that ball, ensuring that older students do not dominate games.

·      Jerseys or pennies that help the students identify who their teammates are

·      A large whiteboard or chalkboard

Minimum Amount of Students Needed: Theoretically, this game could be played with as few as six students, but it is much more fun with a whole class (20+).

Age: All ages