Jeopardy!

Purpose of the Activity

Jeopardy! is a wonderful way to engage residents mentally and socially. This activity promotes cognitive stimulation by encouraging memory recall and quick thinking. It fosters a sense of teamwork and friendly competition, which can boost mood and create strong social bonds. The familiar format provides comfort, while the new questions keep things exciting. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun, celebrate knowledge, and give residents a chance to shine.

Materials Needed

- Game Board: A large whiteboard, chalkboard, or a poster board pre-drawn with the Jeopardy! grid (5 columns for categories, 5 rows for point values).
- Markers: Dry-erase markers for a whiteboard or regular markers for a poster board.
- Category Cards: Index cards or paper slips with your chosen category names written on them.
- Question and Answer Cards: Prepare 25 questions in total (5 for each of the 5 categories). Write the question on one side of an index card and the answer on the other. Be sure to label each card with its category and point value (e.g., "History 200").
- Answer Format Reminder: A small sign that says "Please phrase your answer in the form of a question."
- Buzzer or Bells: Simple handbells, buzzers, or even squeaky toys work well for residents to "buzz in." One per team.
- Scoreboard: A separate small whiteboard or a section of the main board to keep track of team scores.
- Prizes (Optional): Small, fun prizes like candy, decorated cookies, or certificates for the winning team.

Estimated Duration

45 - 60 minutes

Ideal Group Size

6 - 12 residents, divided into 2 or 3 teams.