2024 Bridge Conference

If you are a professional working with school-aged youth you might be wondering how to help the youth under your guidance cope with the torrent of developmental changes surging through their minds and bodies, not to mention the stresses of school, family, and even country, you might be looking for a tool to help you tackle the Tsunami of thoughts and feelings coming your way. Introducing MX Terra's Magic Remote! In this workshop participants will get their own copy of MX Terra's Magic Remote, game instructions, a presentation on school-aged development and the importance of improv as a tool to improve Social Emotional Learning, and more importantly a chance to play the game themselves and reflect on their experience. Improv games, done well in school-aged programming, can provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to explore different scenarios, make decisions on the spot, and take risks in a controlled setting. Through these games, youth learn how to think on their feet, communicate effectively with others, and adapt to unexpected situations – all skills that are essential for navigating the complexities of the world around them. We will talk about some famous improv games such as Dungeons and Dragons and learn about some famous minds who credit this form of play as crucial to their development. We will discuss how, with thoughtful adult facilitation, improv games help youth process their thoughts and feelings in a fun and engaging way while still leaving youth with a sense of agency over their environment. By encouraging creativity, spontaneity, and collaboration, these games enable youth to express themselves authentically and build confidence in their abilities. As they engage in playful interactions with others, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and self-expression – all of which contribute to their overall sense of agency and control over their lives. In this workshop we will learn how to play MX Terra's Magic Remote as a mixed-age group with diverse backgrounds. Each person who signs up for a turn with the master Magic Remote will get a chance to "control" the actors on stage by selecting channels, volume up, volume down, pause, mute, off and on, fast forward and rewind. HOT TIP: After you have played this game for fun several times you will find that the magic remote can be used for general classroom management. MX Terra's favorite way to use the remote in class is to rewind if a student makes a faux pax and give them a redo. It's also really fun to let everyone complain but muted or in fast-forward mode. As a workshop group we will share other games that have been effective with this age group. We will also problem-solve how to approach sensitive topics with a balance of empathy and playfulness. Participants will walk away with at least one new game but also a greater appreciation for how incorporating improv games into educational settings or extracurricular activities can provide youth with valuable opportunities to explore new possibilities, challenge themselves creatively, and ultimately cultivate a strong sense of agency over their environment.

How does cultivating agency empower safe and integrated learning for our students? In this workshop we will explore ways you can center and apply agency and consent tools to enhance your students’ experience and creative practices. Focal points will include exploring what makes a safe space, how to establish boundary practices in your classroom, exercises to support nervous system regulation, and ways to intentionally implement student agency in your curricula.

The Power of Play training introduces the importance of play and lays the foundation for creating a safe, healthy, and respectful environment for youth. Through experiential learning and debriefing, we provide tools to help create safe and inclusive play opportunities for youth. While the Power of Play is for everyone, this session is especially impactful for direct service staff at the elementary level.