Interactive Game

Phil. Great question. My community isbrealli trending towards interactive activities rather than simply giving out informational fliers. It's a much easier way of connecting with someone. 

One game I like using is connect four. We have one about 2 feet tall but even the regular sized one would work. There are all kinds of metaphors you can make about connections here and it's the perfect amount if time to have a quick conversation with someone.

I've also used a big wheel with spaces corresponding to questions like "When you're having a bad day, where can you go to feel sake? When you're sad, who can you talk to?" It's a way to build the social and emotional component into a game. Once they answer a question, they're entered into a raffle or get a stress ball or something.

Hi Phil, Great question!  And, I love your idea of engaging families through interactive activities!  The Center on the Developing Child Harvard University  developed a fun. educational game that has been a hit with folks in my community.  Here is more information: 

Link to the full Website  
Description:  This tabletop board game experience was designed to ......engage .... increase understanding the science of early brain development—what promotes it, what derails it, and what are the consequences for society.

Originally developed in 2009 through a partnership of the Center on the Developing Child and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, the game has been play-tested by more than 12,000 people in teams at small workshops and large conferences.

The game is now available for purchase–in ready-made and do-it-yourself versions. DIY versions are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Click here to see more:  The Brain Architecture Game

For information about the scientific concepts used in the game, go to Key Concepts: Brain Architecture.

Phil, please let us know how your event goes!  And, maybe even post a picture or two of the activities.  I know I will definitive learn a lot from your experiences!  Thank you for being a champion!  
Karen  

Hi Phil,

We use a game students made for us, it is like playing Apples to Apples, where you discuss resilience strategies that would help build healthy responses to challenges. We have a game kit for that. Also, having kids and parents design their own breathing buddy from a folder with stickers and markers to personalize gives them a take-away to remind them about deep breathing to calm.

Best wishes!

Teri Barila

Greetings!

Everyone, thank you for your responses...  All of you have provided me with just what I was looking for...  I am excited about the event and will post some pictures as a follow-up.

Thanks - Phil