Tic-Tac-Toe is a well-known logic game through which students develop curiosity about possibilities, ask questions, and openly explore how a situation changes as a result of different decisions. The goal of the game is not quick victory, but rather to encourage students to observe with curiosity what happens after each move, recognise connections and patterns, and accept that the same situation can unfold in different ways. During the game, the experience of wonder naturally emerges (for example: “I didn’t expect it to end like this!”), as well as openness, when students are willing to try new strategies or learn from one another’s solutions.
Skill focus
Primary Skill Focus
- Curiosity, sense of wonder and openness
Complementary/ Secondary Skill Focus
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Flexibility
| Age group | Student number | Duration |
| 8-10 years old | Small-group work (4–10 students) or whole-class activity using parallel game boards | 10-15 minutes |
How to play – brief game rules
- Preparation: The teacher prepares the Tic-Tac-Toe boards in advance. These can be drawn or printed on paper or cardboard, drawn on the board, or created as a large-scale version on the floor or in the schoolyard. Students work in pairs. The teacher emphasises that this game is not about who wins, but about observing what happens and exploring possibilities with curiosity.
- Game Process: Students play according to the familiar rules of Tic-Tac-Toe, taking turns to place their symbols on the board, with the aim of placing three identical symbols in a row. The teacher encourages students to observe how the board changes after each move, when a situation suddenly shifts, and which decisions lead to unexpected outcomes.
- Raising Awareness of Wonder and Openness: During the game, or after individual rounds, the teacher may pause briefly and ask reflective questions such as: “What surprised you in this round?” “What happened differently than you expected?” “What new possibility did you notice?” These moments help students not only to play, but also to explore and discover.