Created by Rob Angel in the second half of the 1980s, Pictionary is a popular drawing and guessing game that can be played by children and adults alike. It is a great way to break the ice among people and also educate young minds while keeping them engaged at the same time. What started as a game night tradition among friends turned into a multi-million dollar game that revolutionised how we teach young children.

This game combines drawing, communication, and guessing skills, requiring players to communicate through visual representations only. It is usually played in teams which adds to the entire experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to play Pictionary:

• Gather the materials for the game such as a whiteboard, drawing pad, pens, markers, timer, and a set of Pictionary cards to begin with.
• Create two teams consisting of an equal number of players. The game is best played with more people.
• Set up the whiteboard or drawing pad in the room where everyone can see it.
• Designate a timekeeper for each team to ensure they keep track of time and announce when time is up.
• Use a coin toss to decide which team will go first. The game proceeds in turn with each team taking alternating chances.
• Each team needs to roll a dice to determine the category of the turn.
• The player from the drawing team picks a card based on the category. They are not allowed to use letters, numbers, or symbols in their drawing. Only lines, shapes, and other visual forms are allowed.
• While the artist is drawing, the teammates try to guess what the drawing means. They give their guesses and the artist provides verbal clues but cannot speak it out.
• If the team guesses it correctly, they earn a point. The artist moves to the next player on the rival team. In case time runs out or the guess is incorrect, the turn ends and the rival team gets a chance to steal the point.
• The game will continue until a particular score is reached by the winning team.

This game is incorporated in many educational settings, helping students to learn and work with others proactively. Some of its advantages are:

• Enhances creativity – Pictionary stimulates the child’s mind. It challenges them to visually represent words, concepts, and ideas, which allows them to think broadly.
• Better communication skills – The game requires students to work in a team, encouraging them to work closely with each other. Students find creative ways to communicate with each other, thereby improving their verbal and non-verbal skills.
• Improved learning – Pictionary can be used as a means to reinforce their learning by applying it in the game. The school can incorporate relevant information into the game so the students can understand the material better while playing the game.
• Encourage teamwork – Playing this game also fosters the spirit of teamwork. Members of each team must work together to understand the drawing and make the right guess. The sense of camaraderie that is built into this game teaches the students how to work with one another in a real-world scenario.
• Cultural awareness – The game includes a wide range of categories such as landmarks, cultural symbols, historical events, etc. It helps in broadening the student's worldview, fostering cultural awareness and understanding.

The beauty of Pictionary is that it can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are having a gathering at home, a picnic, a casual night out, or for education, Pictionary is the go-to choice that guarantees hours of fun and learning at the same time.