FAQs

If it is part of the Real Game Series, is it a game or a program?

Real Times, Real Life is a demanding and ambitious career development program, fully compliant with the Blueprint for Life/ Designs (Canada) and the National Career Development Guidelines (United States) competencies and performance indicators for the Adult level. However, the program is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, in spite of the negative places from which many participants are coming, they (and facilitators) have fun as they learn about adult life and work roles, labour market trends, and about themselves in the context of planning and building the careers they want.

How much time does it take to complete Real Times, Real Life?

It takes about 30 hours to complete the "core" activities of the program. Three optional activities are also included in the Facilitator's Guide which complement the core activities and create opportunities to involve working people from the community, other teachers and parents or guardians. The program can be completed in a week, or, if blended with other interventions and resources, can extend for several weeks or even months.

Do I need training to present the program to students?

Although complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans are provided for facilitators, training is strongly recommended. Both students and teachers benefit more from the program when facilitators attend a one-day training session. Incidentally, in over 35,000 classrooms now using programs in The Ream Game Series, a team teaching approach is most common. English, Math, Science, Home Economics, Geography, Social Studies, Physical Education and other teachers, and, of course, career counselors, librarians, administrators, parent volunteers and peer facilitators (students from older grades), can all facilitate key activities in the program.

How do I get the training I need?

Canada: Through the Canada Career Information Partnership, each Canadian province and territory has designated a Real Game Series Coordinator who coordinates training and awareness-raising activities and events for all programs in The Real Game Series. You can get in touch with your Coordinator through the Career Services unit of your Department of Education, or through the National Life/Work Centre (1-888-700-8940). In fact, you may use this toll-free line to obtain further information on any aspect of Real Times, Real Life, or any other program in the series.

United States: The Real Game Series training is coordinated through the National Life/Work Center-US. Availability of training may be learned by contacting your local ACRN Director, National Life/Work Center (1-888-700-8940), or by consulting our training calendar.

Is it possible to buy Real Times, Real Life to use it at home?

This is not recommended. Real Times, Real Life was created for use in settings with 10 or more participants. Group interaction contributes greatly to learning and to the perceived "reality' of the program and, therefore, to the effectiveness of the program.