Can a card game be both silly and profound? Yes, of course.
This game is perfect for classrooms and study groups of all sizes and ages, or for family game night.
Fifty different proverbs from around the world are presented – either with a missing word or phrase, or in different variations. Try to guess which of the possible answers is the correct one. Some of the possible answers will make you laugh out loud. Others will make you think deeply.
Once you choose an answer, discuss the possible meaning of the proverb. The game designers offer what they think it means, but do you agree? And do you think the proverb is true, whichever meaning you settle on?
The proverbs come from all around the world and from several religions (including Baha’i). In most cases, the name of the country, its flag, and the continent it is on is included on the card. Can you find the country on a globe or map? How does the proverb reflect its culture? Are there similar proverbs from other countries? See how universal many of these bits of advice are? Humanity really is one.
There is an optional system for scoring, if you want to play for points.
Depending on the age and interests of the participants, each card can represent two minutes of giggles and a quick guess at the meaning, or can be the beginning of an hour-long discussion. It is up to you and your group. There are no wrong answers. Well, maybe some really silly answers, but that’s part of the fun.
Fifty full-color cards come in an organza pouch (colors may vary). Each oversized card is 3.5×4.5″. The instructions are included in the deck. If you like this, let us know. We have 150 more proverbs ready for volumes 2-4.
Click on the instructions tab above to read detailed instruction sheets and sample proverbs.
For many other fun games and activities visit our Games, Crafts & Activities page.
Ron is also the author of The Unexpected Day/The Trust. He and Diana are also coauthors of several other books, which are sold by Amazon. You can see them here.
Instructions
Introduction:
The Proverb Game is a cooperative consultation game for
ages 8 to adult that promotes critical thinking and a
greater awareness of the oneness of humanity. Every
country in the world has its own proverbs which reflect
the enduring common-sense wisdom of its people. A
proverb is essentially wise advice on how to create and
sustain all manner of relationships in good times and in
bad times. Most of the proverbs we have selected to share
are from specific countries and some are based on wisdom
from world religions or shared cultural traditions.
It is our hope that this game will be used in groups,
classrooms and by families worldwide.
Instructions:
Proverbs are presented one at a time
Participants first consult in teams to choose the best
answer for each proverb
Participants then consult in the same teams to find the
deeper meaning of proverb
Facilitator then shares the correct answer and the
meaning of each proverb with the whole group
*Optional: Points may be awarded to teams: 2 points
given for a correct choice; 1 additional point given for
demonstrating understanding deeper meaning of the
proverb; 1 point is awarded for an incorrect choice if team
can provide a plausible explanation.
Expansion Activities:
●Locate specific countries on a world map or a globe
● Consult on possible meanings for each proverb
● Discuss and decide if individuals agree with the given
meaning of proverb
● Discuss if individuals think the proverb is accurate
● Compare proverbs of two or more countries, showing
that each country shares the same common wisdom
● Share life experiences related to lessons learned from
specific proverbs
● Draw illustrations depicting the proverbs
●Create proverb journals
● Conduct research to find other proverbs based on
interest or heritage
SAMPLE PROVERB CARDS:
Proverb from Cambodia – Asia
WHEN ELEPHANTS BATTLE, THE ANTS
________________________.
A. RUN LIKE CRAZY
B. BET ON WHO WILL WIN
C. PERISH
D. TICKLE THEIR FEET
Proverb from the U.S.A. – North America
A LEOPARD NEVER CHANGES___________________.
A. HIS SPOTS
B. THE TELEVISION CHANNEL
C. HIS UNDERWEAR
D. THE WATER IN HIS FISH TANK
Bahá’í Proverb
IF TWO PEOPLE ARGUE, BOTH ARE
_________________________.
A. MARRIED
B. SISTERS
C. GROUNDED
Hindu Proverb
TRUE HAPPINESS COMES FROM ________________.
A. MAKING CHEESECAKE
B. MAKING OTHERS OBEY YOU
C. MAKING MONEY
D. MAKING OTHERS HAPPY
D. WRONG
Carole Hitti –
My daughter-in-law… says the Proverbs card game is awesome! She and her husband played the game with their 9yo twin daughters a few days ago. Thanks for mailing it to them. (from a Facebook message)
Pat Chapman –
We loved playing it. will know more after we do it more. It is wonderful to have fun playing these games. We have always enjoyed the dice game.
Jane –
I liked the first few I looked at, but we haven’t tried the game yet!
Joan Jensen –
Going to use these for our JYG! High quality product, although the sparkling bag fabric is fragile. I’ll re-bag them.
Anonymous –
I haven’t tried to play the game yet, but my initial impression is that it will appeal to children who enjoy sharing their playtime with adults or children who are a bit older and somewhat self-discovery-oriented.
Anonymous –
Some of the proverbs were real obvious. I really liked how the proverbs came from a wide range of cultures. Good for group discussions.
Cheryl D. –
I ordered this game for my grandchildren for Ayyam-i-Ha! Looks like it will be a great game and will stimulate reflection and conversation in a meaningful way.