FAQs

Is The Be Real Game a game or a program?

The Be Real Game is a demanding and ambitious career development program, fully compliant with the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs (Canada) and the National Career Development Guidelines (United States) competencies and performance indicators for the High School level. However, the program is experiential, involving creative role-playing and simulation activities. As a result, students (and teachers) have fun as they learn about adult life and work roles in the context of their own career and educational planning. The Be Real Game is an educational program, with clearly defined learning outcomes and performance indicators, presented in the form of a game.

How much time does it take to play The Be Real Game?

It takes from 21 to 25 hours of class time to complete the "core" activities of the program. 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. Thus, the program can be extended for a term, a semester or even a full year.

Do I need training to present the game 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 Real 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.

Can The Be Real Game be presented as a community project outside the classroom?

Yes, as long as the facilitators have experience in a classroom or group learning environment. For example, the program can be popular at summer camps or evening or weekend sessions with community groups. If the facilitators are not teachers experienced with the program in schools, it is recommended that they attend Be Real Game training.