The 20 Health Project
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Jason S. Egginton, MPH - Founder, MagiKids. Asst Professor of Health Services Research
There are many facets to health. MagiKids cares about overall health of young people.
What is 20Health?
At MagiKids, the term “20 Health” can mean a lot of things! Of course, many Magic games start with 20 life points. We also believe that games support the cognitive and intellectual health of young people until age twenty and well beyond.
And yet, we’re aware the educators are more concerned than ever about how to incorporate complex, analog games like Magic, into a healthy and balanced life for young people (and the rest of us!) that moderates screen time, considers safe outdoor play when possible, as well as engagement in other beneficial co-curricular activities.
Because we serve thousands of schools, libraries, houses of faith, and health settings in the U.S. and beyond, MagiKids intentionally avoids “over-prescribing” one way to work with young people as groups vary widely. However, we have found these 20HEALTH FACETS to be key to supporting the health of young people in co-curricular settings.
Please know that MagiKids is an educational services nonprofit, and does not provide medical advice at any time. This is guidance for adult educators only, for use at their professional discretion.
What are the 20 Facets?
You might be a group leader who’s simply comfortable running a game club. And that’s great. You might also want to add one or more of these facets as you go–either for yourself, or for your group, depending on their age, readiness, setting, etc.
DOMAIN A. (ATTUNE)
1. Exchange Names. (Introduce self to others/teacher)
2. How was Day? (Check in about how day is going)
3. Deep Breaths. (Take up to 30 deep breaths together. Pause. Hold last 15 sec.)
4. Ice water. (Provide/allow drinking water, if possible)
5. Environment. (Assure area is clean/safe/quiet as possible)
DOMAIN B. (BODY)
6. Play Your Way. (Stand; play on floor; outside if ok)
7. Snacks. (Healthy options if poss.)
8. Stretches. (before/after/between games/matches)
9. Pantomime big plays. (teacher rewards for expressive play in good taste)
10. Challenges. (entire game on one foot?!)
DOMAIN C. (CHECK-IN)
11. What do students like best? (Do more of facets they like)
12. What “school” skills do they use in games?
13. What “game” skills do they use in school/life?
14. Are students playing by the rules? How do you know?
15. Are these sessions providing an adequate outlet for students?
DOMAIN D. (DEMONSTRATE)
16. Are certain students ready to help lead the group?
17. Are there new, healthy activities that emerged in your group?
18. Do you feel most participants ended semester/yr knowing how to play “well”?
19. Was the club/group flexible for participants, yet achieve basic aims for all?
20. What would you do to make this a more healthy, well-rounded time for participants next time, (if anything), while still being “what they signed up for”?