Cameron Yourema’s method to create a board game was literally mayhem.
“We were trying to follow the mayhem rule as much as we could,” said Yourema, a Valley High School sophomore, of the “Game Jam” board game design competition held Tuesday. “We tried to make a more chaotic game.
“What brought uniqueness to it is you’re allowed to cheat and lie about the rules of the game. If somebody doesn’t call you out, you can keep doing it; but if someone does, you have to go backwards.”
Yourema and students from across Westmoreland County participated in the Game Jam at Valley Jr.-Sr. High School, an initiative coordinated by the Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition.
In all, there were about 130 middle and high school students from nine districts represented, said Valley gifted teacher Lorin Ervin.
Ervin said the Game Jam is the brainchild of Burrell gifted teacher Megan Aranyos.
Under the theme, “Mischief and Mayhem,” students in teams of no more than five spent two hours creating and designing a board game. Students then played, tested and evaluated each others’ games based on creativity, game objectives and rules, theme and a “fun factor.”
Aranyos said the competition helps students communicate, divide roles and work, adapt and negotiate with each other.
“Students learn how limitations like time, materials and requirements fuel creativity rather than block it,” she said. “When something isn’t working, students learn to pivot quickly rather than give up.”
Yourema said he learned time management and leadership skills when creating his game, Rubber Hose Ramble.
“It’s good for team building and time management,” Yourema said. “I wanted to do a lot more for the game, but we didn’t have enough time.”
To be “mentally gifted,” students must have an IQ higher than 130 or meet other educational criteria, according to the state’s Department of Education. School districts must identify all students who are thought to be gifted.
Each school district must provide gifted education for each gifted student based on the student’s needs.
“Gifted programming has unique challenges,” Aranyos said. “Collective brainstorming means we don’t have to solve these problems alone. We can collaborate on acceleration, pacing and the social emotional needs of our gifted students.”
Aranyos said the Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition, and similar groups, advocate for gifted services and can influence district decisions and provide professional development for members.
“Each teacher in the group brings different strengths, strategies and experiences,” Aranyos said. “The group is a collaboration that informs us on what works best for gifted learners across grade levels and content areas.
“We have built camaraderie over the years, helped each other avoid burnout, and it makes innovation more fun.”
Ervin said the gifted coalition plans events, such as a Quiz League, chess tournament, seminars and debates.
She has been the gifted teacher at Valley for the past seven years. During that time, the program has grown by more than 10 students. There are 40 gifted students districtwide this year, she said.
“I enjoy watching them grow,” she said. “I like working with them year over year and providing different opportunities to them.”
Yourema said coalition events have boosted his leadership skills.
“A lot of times, they’re bored in class,” Ervin said. “This gives them something to work on.”
