On Wednesday, November 3rd, ELC and the UIC Board Games Club partnered to host an English-language Game Night. By the time I arrived, several games, including Codenames, were already underway, but I was able to join in a new game of Settlers of Catan. Having never played it before, I got a bit dazed by myriad of rules, then decided just to have fun. Everyone was quite welcoming and patient, and a bantering backstory quickly sprang up around our various choices during the game. Sometimes the players of the second, unrelated Catan game would comment on our conversations, and we commented on theirs as well. Aside from me, several other ELC teachers were in attendance – these veteran gamers were clearly in their element.

It was relaxing to put work aside for a few hours and learn a new game. (I think I would have enjoyed it even without winning, but the fact that I snuck a win through a dramatic struggle between two other players did add an extra layer of sweetness.) The atmosphere was welcoming and energetic. The Board Games Club members may have played these games many times before, but they clearly have not tired of them yet, and that energy was catching amid the sounds of dice, chatter, and laughter.

Rebecca Levin

Independent Learning Coordinator

On Wednesday, 3rd November, ELC and the UIC Board Games Club partnered to host an English-language Game Night. Several intriguing board games were selected and prepared for students, including Catan, Splendor, Point Salad, and Codename. Among them, Codename was recommended by ELC lecturer Taliesin. At the beginning of the event, he taught and showed the students how to play Codename. Students had struggled to learn about the rules, but they got the hang of it after several rounds with Taliesin.  

I played Catan with ELC lecturer Ian and two students from The Board Game Club. They have played this game before, so they were my tutors and guided me through the process. As a rookie of board games, I could barely enjoy the fun of board games before this event. Thanks to all the lovely members from Board Game Club and our ELC teachers, I’m ready to embrace myself with more board games in the future.

Zishan Peng

Junior Language Instructor

It was wonderful to spend a Wednesday afternoon playing fun and relaxing board games with UIC students. Since video games, TV series and other entertainment activities on digital devices have gone mainstream, I first worried about myself not being intellectually capable, and perhaps not emotionally patient enough, to understand the rules of games on the table. My worries were gone as soon as I immersed myself in the cheerful atmosphere of the game playing. With colorful design and intuitive rules, board games have the magical power of bringing people closer and helping them to meet new people; playing board games is a good way to socialize with others as it places people in a friendly way to team up or compete with other players. The first game I tried—Codename—was a great way to engage players in teamwork, the second game I played—Splendor—involves more strategic thinking.

Finally, playing board games is a stress-free and challenging way to practice English as well! Though the Board Game Club members have played the games before, they were all very patient to explain the rules to new players and were excited to play with ELC teachers using English, because it brings additional challenges and fun to the game.

Zhenqian Chen

Junior Language Instructor

                        ELC Language Instructor Zhenqian (orange shirt) collects gems in Splendor with members of the UIC Board Games Club.

                                        ELC Lecturer Taliesin pulls a clever trick in Codenames with members of the UIC Board Games Club.

Students and staff enjoy themselves while playing board games together.

ELC Lecturer Taliesin explains the rules of Catan at English Board Game Night.

Some happy participants in the first-ever English Board Game Night!