Board Game for Health Class: Analyzing Influences
Check out this Analyzing Influences board game for health class!
If you’re looking for a meaningful and engaging way to teach analyzing influences, a.k.a. SHAPE America Standard #2, in your health class (it's also a great pick for a social-emotional learning lesson), I’ve got you covered.
Buy | Free Access for MS & HS Members
This board game was hands-down one of my middle school students’ favorite activities this year. Not only were they engaged the entire class period, but it was also the perfect way to explore Standard #2 of the National Health Education Standards and give students real opportunities to practice the skill of analyzing influences.
I used this game after teaching a lesson on what it means to analyze influences, how to identify different influences in their lives, and how to use the SCAN Skill Cues:
S – Situation: What’s happening?
C – Core Influences: Who or what is influencing this situation?
A – Analyzing: How were you influenced, and what was the impact on your well-being?
N – Now What?: What will I do with this info?
The game gave students a chance to walk through each step of the SCAN process, apply it to real-life scenarios, and reflect on how they’re influenced and how they influence others. It was such a hit, I’m officially making board games for all of the health skills!
Let’s take a look at the details of this Analyzing Influences board game:
The Goal of the Game
This health board game is designed to:
Build student competency in the skill of analyzing influences
Reinforce the SCAN skill cues in a hands-on, memorable way
Help students identify and evaluate real-life influences
Encourage meaningful reflection and personal insight
It was perfect for middle and high schoolers as it brought skills-based health education to life!
Buy | Free Access for MS & HS Members
What’s in the Game
I tried to keep things simple and teacher-friendly. Here’s what’s included:
A printable board game (two versions: one labeled “Analyzing Influences” and one with a general “The Health Game” title you can reuse with any skill)
72 skill-based playing cards, including SCAN skill cues practice, exploring personal influences, reflection prompts, and general discussion starters
Game Prep and Set Up
This part is super easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
Game pieces (I used these eraser heads from Dollar Tree!)
Print and laminate the game boards
Print and cut the playing cards
Optional Pro Tip: I printed mine double-sided with color-coded Project School Wellness logos on the back of each set to keep them organized.
Then, I stored everything in gallon-sized zip bags (these IKEA ones are my favorite… what can I say, I’m an IKEA girlie).
How to Play
Woo-hoo, set up’s done, now it’s time to play! Here’s how it works:
Divide students into groups (It works great in pairs or small groups, I prefer groups of 3–4, but you do you!). Recently, I’ve been letting them choose groups. It just seems like they work so much better and are more on task in this setup.
Each student picks a game piece and places it at the start.
Stack the cards face down.
Choose who goes first (tallest, shortest hair, birthday closest to today, you get creative with it!).
On your turn, draw a card, read it aloud, answer the prompt (if applicable), and follow the instructions.
Keep going until someone reaches the finish line!
Teaching Notes
I used this game after introducing the analyzing influences skill and teaching the SCAN skill cues. You could also use it as:
A review activity to wrap up a health skills mini-unit
A station in a health skills circuit
A meaningful (and fun!) activity for your sub plans.
After piloting the game with my students, I created an extra set of discussion and self-reflection cards to make the learning experience even more meaningful.
Where to Get the Game
Ready to bring this into your classroom? You can grab the Analyzing Influences Board Game a few different ways:
On its own as a single downloadable game
As part of the Health Games Bundle, packed with interactive games for every health skill
Or inside the Health Skills Toolkit, our complete collection of ready-to-use, skills-based health resources
🎉 PSW Members: Already a member? Click here to download (just make sure you’re logged in for instant access!)
