Hopscotch Play Guides

Let's get you started with Hopscotch Play! This guide will help you learn how to add clients, explore content, and use it with your clients, while introducing you to all of our exciting features designed to enhance your sessions.

Scroll through or use the links below to jump straight to the information you need. 

• About Hopscotch Play
• Optimal Device Specs
• Provider Dashboard
• Creating a Client Profile
• Managing Client Profiles
• Finding Content
• Exploring and Playing Content
• Pinning Content
• Gameplay Features and Tools
• Contacting Support

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[#about]About Hopscotch Play[#about]

Hopscotch Play is a web-based platform that provides therapeutic content (games, activities, printables, etc.) for children between the ages of 5-18.  Our content is designed by child and adolescent behavioral health experts and is based in evidence-based interventions.

Hopscotch Play is designed to be a valuable tool for in-person and virtual sessions, offering a range of activities you can easily access on your computer and use with clients during therapy.

In-person Sessions

For in-person sessions, you can use Hopscotch Play by visiting the website and pulling it up on a laptop, desktop, or tablet during your client session. Allow your client to navigate and engage with Hopscotch Play.  Conduct session as you normally would, using Hopscotch Play game and activities to explore and process the presenting concern.

Virtual Sessions

For virtual sessions, you can use our innovative feature, 2-Player, with your clients. 2-Player makes it easy to engage virtually, allowing you and your client to explore interactive activities together, in real time, on separate devices.  Learn more about using 2-Player with clients.

[#specs]Optimal Device Specs for Using Hopscotch Play[#specs]

Currently, Hopscotch Play is best experienced on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Hopscotch Play does NOT currently support phones.  See below for recommended device specs for a smooth experience.

For the best experience with Hopscotch Play, we recommend:
- An internet speed of 100 Mbps or higher for smooth streaming and gameplay
- A laptop, desktop, or tablet (NOT supported on phones)
- At least 8GB of memory and a recent processor (like Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5)
- Windows or Mac operating system
- Using Chrome, Safari, or Edge browsers

If your device doesn’t meet these specifications, you may experience slower load times and some lag during gameplay.

[#dashboard]Provider Dashboard[#dashboard]

Once you log in to your Hopscotch Play account, you'll land on your provider dashboard. This is your command center where you can:

> Access help materials

> Contact support

> Refer a Friend and earn!

> Add and Edit client profiles

> View Provider Newsfeed

> Enter client accounts and access games/activities

> Access account settings (billing, edit profile, reset PIN, agreements, and vote for features)

[#edit]Editing Your Profile[#edit]

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After creating your Hopscotch Play account, you may want to make changes to your avatar, name, or PIN. This can be done by clicking on the Account icon and navigating to Edit Profile.  Once there, you can Reset your PIN, choose a new avatar, or update your name.  Once you press Save, your changes will be reflected on your provider dashboard.

[#create]Creating a Client Profile[#create]

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To create an individualized client profile, you start by clicking the blue plus button to begin.  This will bring up the Add Client pop-up. Start by adding a screen name for your client.  This is the name that will show up on your client’s profile.  Optionally, you can add first and last names. These only show up on your provider dashboard and are helpful with keeping your client profiles organized.  You can browse through and select an avatar for this client.

Lastly, select the age range of your client and hit Save. Congratulations! You’ve created a client. You can see that their name and avatar are now on your provider dashboard.

[#manage]Managing Client Profiles[#manage]

To edit a client, click on Edit Clients.  Here you can manage your Hopscotch Play caseload and make changes to individual client accounts.  You can click and drag on this icon to reorder your clients. This changes the order in which they appear on your dashboard. You can also click edit to make changes to each individual account.  You can update your client's names, avatar, and age group.   If you want to delete a client, click delete. Be aware that this is permanent and any saved progress with this client will be lost.  Once you delete a client, their profile will be removed from your provider dashboard.

[#find]Finding Content[#find]

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Welcome to your client’s profile and library! The library is designed to help you quickly find the right resources to use in your session. With just a few clicks, you can filter content to match your client’s specific needs.

To get started, choose the type of content you’d like to use. Simply click on any category to filter your results. You can also refine your search by setting a minimum and maximum age range. These age recommendations serve as a guide, but you can always use your discretion based on your client’s needs. Additionally, you can search by theme to focus on specific topics.

For example, if you’re working with a 7-year-old client on anxiety, you might set the minimum age to 6 and the maximum to 9, then select "Anxiety" as the theme. The library will then display content tailored to your client.  If you need to start a new search or adjust your filters, simply click the X to remove them. And if there’s a specific activity you already have in mind, you can search for it by title.  Our content library is ever-expanding and new content is added weekly!

[#explore]Exploring and Playing Content[#explore]

Once you’ve found the right piece of content for your client, it’s easy to get started. Each content card includes a content type, title, short description, and a play button. To jump straight into the game or activity, simply press Play.

If you’d like more details before starting, click More to open the content page. Here, you’ll find a longer description, therapeutic themes and tags, and the recommended age range. You’ll also see related resources that can supplement the activity. From this page, you can start the game anytime by clicking Play.

[#pinning]Pinning Content[#pinning]

Pinning is a useful feature that helps you quickly access content and makes session planning easier. Every piece of content in your client’s library can be pinned directly to their profile. To pin an item, simply look for the pin icon on the library page and click it. The icon will change, confirming that the resource has been pinned.

To view all the content you’ve pinned for a specific client, click View Pinned Content. This will display everything you’ve saved for easy access during sessions.  You can also pin content from within the content page itself. Just click More to open the content, then select the pin icon to add it to your client’s profile. 

[#gameplay]Gameplay Features and Tools[#gameplay]

Before playing a game with a client, we recommend exploring it on your own to become familiar with how it works. Once you enter a game, there are a few key features to notice.First, every piece of content includes an “Info for Providers” dropdown. This is a private window that only you can see when using two-player mode with your client. Inside, you’ll find activity details, discussion questions, related resources, and pinned content—allowing you to seamlessly transition to another activity. To close this window, simply click the red arrow at the top.On the right side, you’ll see a sidebar with additional features. Here, you can start two-player mode with your client. Depending on the game, you may also see:-A Clear All button to reset progress.-A Download button to save a PDF of the activity.  This is helpful if you'd like to send the PDF virtually to a caregiver or upload it to the client's file in your EHR.-Audio controls to adjust the volume or mute sounds.Take some time to explore these features so you can guide your client through the best experience possible!  

[#player2]Using 2-Player[#player2]

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2-Player is a feature that allows you and your client to play games in real time from separate devices, either a computer or a tablet.  Hopscotch Play does not currently support phones.

You’ll find the 2-Player widget throughout your client’s profile, making it easy to start a connection from anywhere. To begin, click the Play button on the widget, then select “Copy Link.” When the text changes to “Copied,” the link has been saved to your clipboard and is ready to be shared with your client.

When your client clicks the link on their device, both of you will be prompted to start 2-Player. Once they join, you'll receive a visual and auditory notification, and you’ll see that they are online. From this point, all interactions—drawing, typing, moving objects, and other gameplay actions—will stay in sync for both users.

In 2-Player, some features are only visible to you and will not be seen by your client. This includes the content filters on the main menu, the Info for Providers window, and certain toolbar options.

Important Notes for 2-Player:

-Minimizing the Hopscotch Play window or switching browser tabs on either end will temporarily pause the connection. Once the window is maximized, you both will be prompted to resume gameplay.

-Exiting your client’s profile at any time will end the session. If you leave, you will need to generate a new link for your client to reconnect. However, as long as you remain in the profile, the same link will stay active—even if your client disconnects.

-To manually end a 2-Player session, click the “End 2-Player” button. This will remove your client from the session.

If you experience any issues while using 2-Player, help is always just a click away. Use the Help icon to submit a support ticket, and include detailed comments or screenshots for faster troubleshooting.

[#support]Contacting Support[#support]

Help is always just a click away. If you run into any issues while using Hopscotch Play, the quickest way to get support is by clicking the Help icon, located at the bottom right corner of every screen. This opens a support ticket window. You can start by browsing the Help Library to see if your question is already answered. If not, you can continue by filling out a ticket. Simply choose a category from the dropdown menu and describe your issue or question in as much detail as possible. The more information you provide, the faster we can help! Screenshots are also really helpful. To include one, just click the camera icon and it will automatically attach a screenshot of your browser to the ticket. Once you're ready, hit submit to send it to our support team.

Our tech support team is always here for you. If you’d prefer to talk things through, you can schedule a 15-minute support call. Just click the link, pick a date and time that works for you, and we’ll take care of the rest. We want to make sure Hopscotch Play is running smoothly, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Psychoeducational Learning for Kids

About

Description: The Exploring with Ella series is designed to support social-emotional learning for children ages 4-10. Each activity is character-led and narrated by Ella, with engaging character illustrations that help children feel connected to the learning process. Through a combination of engaging narratives, Ella guides children in exploring topics such as conflict resolution, self-esteem, anxiety, anger, and more!

The activities are accompanied by supplementary materials found in the Related Resources section, which provide additional flexibility for use during sessions. These activities are adaptable and can be paced according to the clinician and client’s needs, whether in an individual, group, or classroom setting. Each activity also includes built-in discussion questions to promote deeper conversations and insight, making the series an effective tool for helping children develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Ages: 4-10

How to Use

The Exploring with Ella series is flexible and can be used in a variety of settings.

Individual Setting
In one-on-one settings, the Exploring with Ella series can help introduce and teach kids about a variety of social-emotional topics related to their presenting concern.  With each activity, you're able to explore definitions, dive deeper about the impact of the issue, allow clients to personalize and share examples, and discuss helpful coping mechanisms collaboratively.  

The built-in discussion questions and prompts provide guidance in facilitating conversations and encouraging the child to reflect on their own experiences. Supplementary materials can be used to reinforce key concepts between sessions, or as additional resources to work on skills at the child’s own pace.

Group Settings

Exploring with Ella is perfect for small group settings, encouraging children to work collaboratively on themes like social skills and conflict resolution. The series promotes peer interaction, allowing children to share their own experiences and insights, while practicing empathy, active listening, and compromise. The group setting also helps normalize emotions, making it easier for children to relate to one another.

Start with the presentation as a group, allowing Ella’s story to introduce the topic. Facilitate group discussions using the provided questions to prompt each child to share their perspective. Activities can be adapted for partner work or group participation, helping children practice the skills they are learning in real-time. Supplementary materials can be used for extended group activities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage fully with the topic.

Classroom Guidance Setting

In a classroom environment, Exploring with Ella can be used to incorporate social-emotional learning into a curriculum. The series is an effective tool for teaching children how to manage their emotions, work through conflicts, and build healthy self-esteem. It also supports a positive classroom culture by encouraging kindness, cooperation, and respect among students.

These activities can be used as part of a daily or weekly schedule, using the stories and activities to address social-emotional learning objectives. It can be adapted for individual, partner, or class-wide participation. Built-in discussion questions can guide class discussions, while supplementary materials provide additional tools for reinforcing the lessons outside of the designated lesson time.

Flexible, Engaging, and Effective: The Exploring with Ella series is designed to be versatile and easily integrated into various therapeutic or educational settings. With its built-in activities, discussion prompts, and supplementary materials, this series ensures that providers can address a range of emotional and social issues with children in a meaningful way, at their own pace. Whether used in an individual session, small group, or classroom, Exploring with Ella provides a strong foundation for helping kids develop the emotional skills they need for life.

About

Description: A simple but fun fast paced game where the players take turns to see who can drop in a row of four coins first.  Hopscotch Connect offers a great way for kids to develop their cognitive skills, social abilities, and emotional control. As children strategize to connect four pieces in a row, they enhance their planning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This interactive game also encourages turn-taking, patience, and good sportsmanship, making it a fantastic tool for building social skills and cooperative play. 

Ages: 4-11

Themes: Competitive play, Social skills, Problem-solving, Self-management, Resilience, Executive functioning

Using Hopscotch Connect

Explain the game to the client, highlighting the goal of connecting four pieces in a row. Emphasize that it’s about having fun and practicing thinking skills.

Choosing a Color and Who Goes First

Gameplay

To take a turn, hover the coin over the column you would like to drop it into.  When you're ready to play, simply click, and it will drop it into that column.  Take turns dropping the coins into the rows and columns and try to get 4 in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.  The first player to do so wins.  You can work on these skills during gameplay:

 As you continue playing, the game will keep track of win totals. Once you leave the game and return, the win totals will refresh and start anew. 

About

Description: Sammie, a scout, guides kids through 12 different breathing activities, including butterfly breathing, bunny breathing, rainbow breathing, star breathing, and lion breathing. Each video teaches a breathing technique, followed by practice sessions with the kids. After completing each video, kids earn a badge, making the learning process engaging and rewarding. These videos aim to help children manage stress, improve focus, and enhance their emotional regulation through fun and interactive breathing exercises.

Using Sammie's Breathing Videos in Session

Therapists can use Sammie's Breathing Videos as a tool to teach children effective relaxation techniques. Start sessions by selecting a video and practicing the breathing exercise together. Discuss how the child feels before and after the exercise to help them recognize the calming effects. Encourage children to use these techniques during stressful moments in their daily lives. Additionally, earning badges can be a motivational tool, reinforcing positive behavior and making the practice enjoyable. Use the videos to introduce mindfulness and create a routine that children can follow both in and out of therapy sessions.

Related Resources:
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find badge PDFs that correspond with each breathing video. These can be printed for the client to decorate after watching and mastering each breathing technique.

About

Description: Calm Coloring is a therapeutic art board designed to support children's emotional well-being through mindfulness and creative expression. The game provides a blank art board where children can draw freely or utilize art therapy prompts that encourage exploration of feelings, family dynamics, personal history, and more. Accompanied by a playlist of relaxing music, Calm Coloring offers a calming environment for children to unwind and manage stress.  Calm Coloring also shows kids that coloring and creative can be an effective coping strategy.  For those using it as such, Grant, a supportive animated buddy appears with the tap of a button to provide encouragement and positive reinforcement during coloring sessions. 

Calm Coloring offers a range of benefits for children's mental and emotional development. By engaging in creative activities like drawing and using art prompts, children can express their emotions in a safe and supportive space. The integration of relaxation music promotes a sense of calmness and aids in stress reduction. Therapists can use Calm Coloring to teach coping skills and enhance emotional awareness.

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Expressive art, Emotinal Regulation, Mindfulness, Coping strategies, Self Management

Using Calm Coloring in Session

Calm Coloring has a wide range of uses in therapy.  You can use this activity how you might typically use a Whiteboard or doodle pad in sessions with young clients, while also still being able to incorporate the therapeutic tools that are offered during the game. 

Question Button
The Question Button when pressed triggers a prompt at the top of the canvas.  There are 100 pre-loaded questions and prompts that encourage clients to draw about their experiences, family dynamics, friendships, feelings, and more! 

Examples include:-What is something you wish for?
-Can you create a picture of your favorite dream?
-What does it look like when you feel lonely?
-Draw a picture of something that makes you feel calm. 
-What is your favorite coping skill?
-Draw a picture of what your family looks like when you’re all together.

Music Playlist

To create a calming atmosphere, clients can browse through a collection of relaxation music.

Grant Pop Up

Coloring and creativity can also be an effective coping mechanism for kids.  Calm Coloring includes a Grant button where he pops onto the screen with some encouraging and affirming words.  Clients can use this to hear 15 supportive statements as their coloring to calm down. 

Related Resources

In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF titled Calm Coloring Pages, a collection of coloring pages that can be printed and used by the child as they wish.  This collection can be placed in a calm corner or in their room where they can access the pages as needed. Encourage the child to try to create a calming environment (with music, if they choose) as they color in the home.  

About

Description: Treasure Hunt is a feelings memory game designed to teach kids about 16 different feelings words. The goal is to find correct matches and unlock the treasure chest. The game offers three difficulty levels, allowing kids to choose based on their age and skill level.  Games focused on teaching feeling words can help kids expand their feelings vocabulary which allows them to better express themselves during moments of heightened emotions.

This game can also help teach social cues and the importance of being able to identify feelings in others by observing facial expressions and body language.  Each character expressing a feeling is purposefully illustrated in full body to allow the child to observe non-verbal cues related to each feeling.

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Feelings identification, Social awareness, Feelings exploration, Empathy and understanding, Social Skills

Using Treasure Hunt in Session

Explore the 16 Feelings

Prior to playing Treasure Hunt with clients, it can be helpful to review our Feelings with Captain Francis activity also found in the Play category. This activity will cover all of the 16 feelings that are found in Treasure Hunt. These are common feelings experienced by kids, and each one includes a definition and a pirate-themed example.

Getting Started

After a short animated intro that includes Captain Francis and crew explaining the game to kids, you'll land on the menu screen with the three different adventures (levels) for your client to choose.  These include No Man's Isle (Easy - 3x2), Cave of the Unnamed (Medium - 4x3), and the Sea of Sunken Ships (Hard - 5x4).  Clicking on any of these will take you and your client into the level.

Using Treasure Hunt

Treasure Hunt is a memory game and on it's own can help clients learn to identify different feelings words and definitions in a fun way.  As with many of our games, you are able to put your own spin on it! Here are some additional ideas for use:

Take Turns

Treasure Hunt is a game that can be played competitively between provider and client to see who can find the most matches.  Introducing competitive play within session can help clients work on emotional regulation, turn-taking, resilience, coping skills, and flexibility.

Feelings Exploration

Every time the client finds a correct match, to further explore feelings, you can ask them to:

1. Share an example of when they have experienced that feeling before. 

2. Share examples of when they've noticed that feeling in someone else (a friend, family member, fictional character, etc.)

3. Share a reason that might cause someone to experience that feeling

4. Act out the identified feeling word

5. Make up a short story that includes the feeling word

Social Cues

-Use Treasure Hunt to teach clients about social cues (such as facial expression and body language) for different emotions .  For each feeling, you can ask them how they are able to tell a character might be feeling a certain way.   

Playing Treasure Hunt
After clicking into a map, your client can begin playing to try to find matching feeling words. They can flip over each card by clicking directly on the squares to see and hear the feeling word. For each correct match, the cards stay flipped over, but if the match is incorrect, they will turn back over.

Feelings Spotlight

Once all of the matches have been identified, you've cracked the code and found the gold! After a congratulations from Captain Francis, clients are presented with a Feelings Spotlight. This special feature highlights one of the 16 feelings, giving the child a chance to dive deeper and learn more about the selected feeling word.  After the spotlight, clients can choose to play on the same level with a new randomized set of cards, or they can return to the menu to choose a different adventure.

Related Resources

As mentioned earlier, it is helpful to pair this game with our therapeutic activity, Feelings with Captain Francis, which is also found in the Play category.  In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF titled How ARRR You Feeling Today? which is a feelings chart include the 16 feelings and characters found in the Treasure Hunt.  This is a great tool that you can print to send home with a client or send electronically to a caregiver.  The client can put this handout in their room, in a calm down corner, in a folder at school, or anywhere else for when they need a helping hand to calm down and refocus.