Wearable Arts 2025

Good morning,

Think about the last time you played a board game with family or friends. Maybe it was an intense game of Scrabble, where you discovered a surprising new word. Or maybe it was a game of Guess Who, where you laughed at the most ridiculous questions.

As adults, we sometimes forget the magic of games. We associate them with childhood, something fun but perhaps not that important. But the truth is, board games are filled with hidden benefits—ones that stretch far beyond the game itself. They are not just about rolling dice, counting spaces, or drawing cards. They are about thinking, learning, strategizing, and, most importantly, connecting.

Just like art helps us express ourselves, board games help us sharpen our minds. They challenge us to think critically, to plan ahead, and to solve problems in creative ways. Because let’s be honest—how many of us have ever been this close to winning, only to lose at the very last second? …. like being one card away from victory in Uno… and then someone skips your turn.

For children, board games are more than just entertainment. They are powerful learning tools. Playing board games can strengthen memory and improve cognitive skills. They teach children to follow rules, take turns, and handle both winning and losing with grace. Board games allow kids to experiment with decision-making, learn from mistakes, and develop perseverance.

But beyond these skills, beyond the learning, there is something even more important that board games give us: connection.

When I was growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table every Sunday afternoon to play a game. It was a different game each week. My dad loved Monopoly, and my mom would always win at checkers… I really enjoyed Parcheesi! But now, years later, what I remember most is not who won or lost—it’s the laughter, the arguments over rules, and the joy of just being together. And, of course, the phrase we know: “Wait—are we playing with house rules or the real rules?”

Board games bring people together. In a world where so much of our time is spent staring at screens, these games remind us to look up, interact, and engage with one another. They create shared experiences, spark conversations, and build relationships.

For today’s presentation, our students have explored the world of board games—how they are made, how they are played, and how they bring people together. So, as we watch the show, let’s recognize these games as more than just a pastime, but as tools for learning, for thinking, and for bringing people closer together.

And most importantly, let’s take a moment to remember the joy of playing. Because whether you’re five, thirty-five, or sixty-five, the best games are the ones we play together.

So, roll the dice, draw a card, and let’s enjoy what our students have prepared for us!

Thank you!