Project Overview
Pathways to Peace is a thoughtfully designed board game created for children ages 8-11 who are navigating the loss of a loved one. Recognizing that grief, death, and bereavement are complex, abstract concepts that can overwhelm young minds, the game provides a compassionate space where children can explore and process these emotions at their own pace. The game leverages the power of play as a meaningful vehicle for introspection, helping children grapple with difficult emotions and unanswered questions during their grieving journey.
Design Objective
The core objective behind Pathways to Peace was to develop a self-directed learning experience that could serve as both a therapeutic tool and an educational resource. Understanding that play allows children to explore challenging topics in a non-threatening way, the game is designed to empower children as autonomous agents in their grieving process. Through engaging activities, reflection prompts, and open-ended themes, children are encouraged to:
- Express their emotions without fear of judgment.
- Ask questions they may feel unable to ask elsewhere.
- Explore memories of their loved ones in a safe, supportive environment.
- Learn that grief is a natural process and that it is okay to feel a wide range of emotions.
Game Design and Mechanics
Pathways to Peace is has a game board with different themed areas, each addressing a unique aspect of grief and loss. The cards allow for the learner to chose how they want to answer through verbal responses or through art. The themes on the board include:
- What is Grief? – Helps children understand grief as a normal process and explore their feelings.
- Handling Feelings – Prompts children to reflect on and articulate complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and loneliness.
- Holidays Without Them – Addresses the challenges of coping with holidays and special occasions in the absence of a loved one.
- Memories – Provides opportunities to share and cherish memories of the loved one.
- Circle of Experts – Offers answers to common questions about grief, encouraging reflection on these complex topics.
- How to Say Goodbye – Helps children understand that saying goodbye is a natural part of life and offers ways to prepare for future loss.
The gameplay itself is intentionally open-ended. Instead of strict rules or a competitive framework, the board functions as an “open slate,” allowing children to choose the topics they want to explore and the pace at which they want to proceed. This child-directed approach respects each child’s unique grieving process and supports autonomous decision-making.
