The School of Play Curriculum
Kindergarten
Week Seven continues to nurture creativity, mindfulness, gratitude, and physical engagement through playful, hands-on activities. Students begin the week with Shape Hunt, an exciting scavenger-style challenge that strengthens shape recognition, concentration, and independence as they search for hidden shapes around the room. They then explore happiness and self-awareness through Happy Hands, tracing their hands and filling each finger with things that bring them joy, helping children express positive emotions visually and verbally.
The week then moves into imaginative movement with African Safari, a high-energy fitness adventure where students become explorers and animals, using their bodies to act out each part of the story. The week concludes with Gratitude Parade, a creative and collaborative activity where students design their own gratitude float or display, then share and celebrate what they are thankful for. Together, these activities weave creativity, emotional reflection, communication, and physical movement into a joyful learning experience, encouraging students to express themselves confidently, appreciate the good in their lives, and stay active through imaginative play.
Weekly Lessons
Shape Hunt
Shape Hunt is a fun and active way for students to explore and recognise basic geometric shapes by searching for hidden cutouts around the room. As students move through the space looking for circles, squares, triangles, and other shapes, they stay focused, engaged, and excited to discover what’s been hidden. The activity strengthens shape recognition while encouraging students to work independently, pay attention to detail, and stay motivated as they search for each new shape.
Once the hunt is complete, students come together to share the shapes they found and proudly name each one, reinforcing their learning through verbal communication. This shared reflection helps deepen their understanding of geometric concepts while building confidence in identifying shapes. Shape Hunt blends movement, exploration, and learning into one playful experience, making it a fantastic way to reinforce early maths skills in a hands-on and enjoyable way.
Happy Hands
Happy Hands is a reflective and creative activity that encourages students to think about the things in their lives that bring them joy. By tracing the outline of their own hand and filling each finger with a drawing or word representing something that makes them happy, students engage in positive self-reflection while practising fine motor skills. This simple yet meaningful task helps children identify the moments, people, and experiences that contribute to their emotional well-being.
Once their hand outlines are complete, students share their “Happy Hands” with the group, explaining the meanings behind their drawings or words. This promotes verbal expression, confidence, and connection as students learn more about one another’s sources of happiness. Happy Hands blends creativity, communication, and emotional awareness into a warm, positive activity that helps build a supportive, joyful classroom community.
African Safari
African Safari is an exciting movement-based adventure that takes students on a thrilling journey through the wilds of Africa. As the story unfolds, students transform into explorers and animals, performing fun, interactive exercises that match each part of the safari. From bouncing on a bumpy road to crawling like beetles, creeping like leopards, and balancing like flamingos, the adventure blends imagination with physical fitness, keeping students engaged, active, and eager for the next challenge.
As students move through each scenario, they build strength, coordination, and creativity while learning to follow instructions through playful storytelling. The adventure culminates in calming stretches and deep breathing to wind down after the action-packed journey. African Safari is a wonderful way to spark imagination, boost physical activity, and bring joy to any classroom or group session, making fitness fun through story-driven movement.
Gratitude Parade
Gratitude Parade is a joyful, creative activity that invites students to reflect on the things that bring them happiness and express their gratitude in a fun and colourful way. By designing their own miniature parade float or display, students use their imaginations to visually show something they are thankful for, whether it’s a special person, a favourite place, or a meaningful experience. The process encourages artistic expression, positive reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the good things in their lives.
Once the floats are complete, students take part in a lively gratitude parade, walking around the room or school to share their creations with others. As they explain what they made and why it matters to them, students build confidence, communication skills, and the joy of giving thanks. Gratitude Parade is a vibrant and uplifting activity that builds connection, celebrates creativity, and fills the space with positivity through the simple act of sharing gratitude.
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