Objective: To educate players about street harassment and racism through interactive play, while teaching them the 5D intervention methods.
Materials:
- Chalk (for drawing the hopscotch grids)
- Beanbags or small stones
- Scenario Cards
- Intervention Cards
- Resource Cards
- Active Bystander Cards
- Question Cards
Setup:
- Draw Two Hopscotch Grids: Use chalk to draw two hopscotch grids on the ground next to one another, numbering the squares from 1 to 10. Ensure both grids are large enough to hop on safely.
- Scenario Cards: Print 20 scenario cards, each describing a situation related to street harassment or racism. Laminate the cards for durability.
- Intervention Method Cards: Print 10 intervention cards, each representing one of the 5D intervention methods.
- Resource Cards: Print resource cards that represent items that can be used in intervention scenarios (e.g., camera, whistle, funny hat). Place them in a central location accessible to all players.
- Active Bystander Cards: Print cards representing community active bystanders (e.g. police officer, an educator, or older sibling). Each active bystander has unique abilities that aid in interventions.
Game Mechanics:
- Introduction: Explain to the players what street harassment and racism are, and introduce the 5D intervention methods.
- Scenario and Method Placement: Place a scenario card at each numbered square on one hopscotch grid and an intervention method card at each numbered square on the other grid.
- Resource Tokens and Active Bystander Cards: Keep the resource tokens and active bystander cards in a central place accessible to all players.
How to Play:
- Starting the Game: Players are divided into pairs. Each pair takes turns throwing a beanbag onto their respective hopscotch grids.
- Hopping to the Cards: Both players hop to the squares where their beanbags/stones land, following the hopscotch pattern. They must pick up the cards from their squares.
- Reading the Cards: Each player reads their card aloud to the group. One player reads a scenario, and the other reads the intervention method.
- Building the Scenario: The pair collaborates to discuss how the intervention method can be applied to the scenario. The group can discuss and provide support if needed.
- Earning Resource Tokens: If the pair successfully explains and demonstrates the intervention method, they earn a resource card. These cards can be used later in the game to overcome more challenging scenarios.
- Matching Numbers: If both players land on the same number on their respective grids, they pull a question card and answer it. The questions relate to their experiences and thoughts about safety, street harassment, and racism.
- Answering Question Cards: Both players take turns answering the question card. After both have answered, they earn an “Active Bystander” token or card. This active bystander can be used in future rounds to aid in interventions.
- Group Discussion: After the pair identifies the intervention method and how it applies to the scenario, the group discusses it. This ensures everyone understands why the method is appropriate.
- Continue Playing: Players continue taking turns in pairs until all scenarios and methods have been discussed. Encourage players to think about how they would feel in each scenario and what they would do.
- Using Resource Tokens: For more challenging scenarios, players can use their earned resource tokens or active bystander cards to get additional help or overcome difficult situations.
Adjustments for a more challenging hopscotch:
- Complex Scenarios: Use more complex and nuanced scenarios that require deeper thinking and discussion.
- Sensitive Questions: Use more in-depth questions that requires the players to be more open and vulnerable.
- Role-Playing: Introduce role-playing elements where players act out scenarios and practice intervention methods in real-time. This can include more advanced active bystander abilities and more strategic use of resources.
Street Safety Hopscotch is a collaborative and engaging serious game. By working in pairs and combining their scenario and intervention method cards, players can learn to think critically and creatively about how to handle street harassment and racism, all while having fun!
