Teams
Focus Question - What are the benefits of turning classmates into Teammates?
One School. One Class. One Week.
One school, one class, one teacher, one volunteer, and one administrator at a time can form the beginning of a Team.
Schools are invited to experience a live classroom demonstration of the WAY Game.
During a one-week classroom pilot, I co-teach with a cooperating teacher. The teacher delivers the curriculum while I help students organize their learning using CAP Notebooks, create WAY Game cards, and build their Pathfinder profiles.
Teachers who are curious about participating are encouraged to explore this website in advance to see how the tools work in practice.
​
The goal is to give teachers practical tools that make review activities more engaging while helping students organize and share their learning.
Subject: A free, simple classroom pilot for teachers at your school.
Dear Principal,
After 33 years of teaching in Calgary classrooms, I have been developing a set of practical learning tools called SWAY Canada - A Child's WAY - including the WAY Game, CAP Notebooks, and Pathfinder student profiles, Game Card Templates, training videos and more. It's a holistically integrated information processing system dressed up as a game
​
These tools help teachers turn lesson content into interactive review activities while helping students organize and share their learning.
I am currently offering schools a small classroom pilot:
• one class
• one teacher
• one week of co-teaching
The classroom teacher continues delivering the curriculum while I guide students in using CAP Notes and the WAY Game to capture and review their learning.
The goal is simply to give teachers an opportunity to experience the tools in practice and decide whether they might be useful in their classrooms.
If this idea interests you, I would be happy to visit your school and demonstrate the WAY Game.
You can preview the tools at:
playway.ca
Thank you for the work you do supporting teachers and students.
Sincerely,
Brian McCarthy
SWAY Canada
In School
Your Team is determined by the number of students in your class; everyone has a role. A teacher's role is minimal; students are empowered. The Teacher uses WAY Cards to choose one Mystery Kid, two Team Captains and three Judges. Remove the Judge's WAY Cards and deal the remaining cards into two teams. The top card on each pile is the Captain, the next card is the Assistant Captain. The 'Card Judge' randomly place WAY Cards into Place Cards. Seven WAY Game Cards are placed face down in each pocket. Get your Game Cards out and you are ready to play.
​
Combine your class and school for your Team's name, for example - 5M Cardinal Newman.
Out of School
Play Singles or Doubles
Singles - Team of 8 - Seven Players, one Judge.
Doubles - Team of 15 - Fourteen Players, one Judge.
This is a social game designed to meet new people, the more, the merrier.
You'll need a Host who is dedicated to running the game. They invite Players, set a location and date and bring materials.
Players need a CAP Notebook 2025 to play. Fill in their WAY Card 2025 in their CAP Notebook and complete the 'Today' section. Study the score sheet. The host selects a Picture for the game. All team members create one activity for each game. The Host collects books, and selects seven games from the Q & A's submitted by Players. Notebooks are used to organize play and team responses.
Choose a Team name.
​
From Classmates to Teammates
Think of your entire school as a team with specific roles and responsibilities but organized as a sports team.
An Open Letter to Student Teachers
Welcome Future Teachers,
Hello, my name is Brian McCarthy. Once upon a time, I was a student teacher at McGill, and I remember asking my professor, “What are the tricks of the trade?” Unfortunately, he didn’t have an answer—but I do. It starts with the WAY Game.I’m inviting you and your classmates to form a team of eight players to compete in a virtual tournament against other university teams. Together, you’ll learn and play the WAY Game, an innovative tool designed to help you become the kind of teacher who inspires students, builds strong connections with parents, and fosters an engaging classroom environment.
Here’s why you should join: Learn Valuable Skills: The WAY Game teaches methods to engage students, involve parents, and make learning fun. Build Your Resume: SWAY (SMART WAY to Learn, Earn, and Play) gives you a competitive edge by incorporating entrepreneurial, project-based learning into your toolkit. Lead and Innovate: As a team leader, you’ll practice the skills that define great teachers—organization, facilitation, and creativity. Connect with Peers: Compete in the "Coffee Cup" tournament, where you’ll learn, laugh, and share ideas with student teachers across North America. I’ve spent my retirement turning decades of teaching experience into a game that prepares future teachers for real-world challenges.
The WAY Game isn’t just a game—it’s a simulation of how you’ll engage your future students and their families. And trust me, your ability to lead fun, interactive learning experiences will set you apart in the job market. We live in “interesting times,” and education needs courageous, innovative leaders. If you’re ready to learn how to make teaching more effective and rewarding, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Visit playway.ca to get started and learn more. Your Role: Form a team of eight players. Schedule your training session (spots are limited!). bcmccarthyway@gmail.comCompete, grow, and have fun while learning to transform classrooms, homes, and communities. Let’s make a difference together. I’ll provide the resources and guidance, but your leadership and enthusiasm will make it happen. Remember, this isn’t just about learning how to teach; it’s about creating a lasting impact.
Yours in Education,
Brian McCarthy
Retired Teacher & Creator of the WAY Game - a Pillar of SWAY
P.S. Time is of the essence—training is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Take the first step today at playway.ca.
​