At the New Life After School Program, students are not only engaged in fun activities but are also strengthening their social and emotional well-being. As a mental health-focused after-school program, New Life integrates creative approaches to help children express themselves, regulate emotions, and build meaningful connections.
One of the latest activities, called “Tornado,” adds a social-emotional learning (SEL) twist to a classic parachute game. Led by Case Manager Malika Braz, the exercise uses a colorful parachute and a mini bean bag to encourage both excitement and self-reflection.
Each student starts by guessing which color on the parachute the bean bag will land on. As the group lifts the parachute and moves it around, the bean bag bounces unpredictably. At a random moment, Braz calls out, “Stop!” and the bean bag settles on a color. The students who guessed correctly then pick a question from the Little Talk Card deck by Best Self, a tool designed to spark thoughtful conversations.
“Each student was given the opportunity to pick a card from the deck at least twice,” said Braz. “The game kept them engaged, but more importantly, it gave them a chance to practice self-reflection and communication in a safe and supportive environment.”
With the leadership of Reece Wright and Mechelle Fears, the New Life After School Program continues to develop innovative approaches to support mental health and emotional growth. By blending play with SEL, activities like “Tornado” help students develop self-awareness, decision-making skills, and emotional resilience—all while having fun.
