Suggested use, and practical examples

The game can be played as a short snack between lessons or as a full-fledged game out-door. Playing as a snack ensures that all children understand the game well when you eventually play it outside. 

  1. Start in a short game as a snack with a limitation to different roles. So gradually expand the game after repeated play to all roles
  2. Choose simple roles:

Limit the number of special roles. Novice players quickly get confused if there are too many roles. Start with:

  • Werewolves
  • Citizens
  • Seer
  • Witch (optional)
  • Hunter (optional)
  1. Use pictograms or cards with pictures to make the roles visually clear.
  2. Narrator plays neutral role:

The narrator is like a ‘game leader’ or ‘storyteller’ and should speak calmly and clearly, with plenty of pauses. You (or a student) can take on that role.

  1. Use a calm voice and possibly music or sounds to enhance the atmosphere.
  2. Shorter rounds:

Limit the number of nights/days. Young children often have a shorter tension arc. Max. 15 minutes per game is ideal.

  1. Dropouts stay involved:

Don’t let children who “drop out” stay in their seats in silence. Examples:

  • They can form an audience and be ‘the judges’.
  • Let them guess who they think the werewolves are.
  • Or let them vote as a ghost (without affecting the game).

Practical example:

Simple basic game in group 1&2

Roles:

  • 2 werewolves
  • 1 seer
  • all other students: civilians

Game flow:

  • Narrator tells a short story: ‘Wakkerdam is a quiet village… until werewolves show up!’
  • Night 1: Everyone closes their eyes. The werewolves choose a victim. Seer may appoint one person.
  • Morning: Seer reveals who died, children deliberate and vote.
  • Repeat until werewolves or civilians win.

Duration: approx. 10-15 minutes

Additional tips for school

  • Use chairs in a circle – that way everyone has an overview.
  • Work with hand gestures instead of talking during the night – less noise.
  • Provide time for evaluation ‘What did you like?’ ‘What was exciting?’ ‘What would you do differently next time?’
  • Use cards or bracelets – to keep roles secret but easy to remember?