The School of Play Curriculum
Kindergarten
Week Two continues building a warm, connected, and playful classroom environment by nurturing creativity, movement, self-expression, and gratitude. Children begin with Freeze Dance, an energetic favourite that strengthens listening skills and self-control as they dance freely and freeze on cue. They then move into reflective creativity with My Favourite Thing, where students draw something they love and share why it matters to them, building confidence in both their artistic and verbal expression. These early activities encourage students to tune into their bodies, communicate clearly, and feel proud of their unique interests.
The week then invites students into imaginative movement through What Animal Would You Be?, blending physical activity with pretend play as they jump, crawl, stretch, and stomp like different animals. Students finish the week by fostering gratitude and community through the Gratitude Tree, adding leaves that represent the people, places, and moments they are thankful for. Together, these experiences strengthen coordination, creativity, emotional awareness, and social connection. Week Two reinforces a positive classroom culture where every child feels seen, supported, expressive, and excited to learn, all through the joyful power of play.
Weekly Lessons
Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a lively and engaging activity that blends music, movement, and quick thinking to support early childhood development. As students dance freely around the room, they tune into the music, expressing themselves with joyful and creative movements. When the music suddenly pauses, they must stop instantly and hold their pose like a statue. This simple rhythm of moving and freezing helps children practise active listening, strengthens their ability to respond to cues, and encourages them to regulate their bodies with control and focus.
Beyond the fun, Freeze Dance promotes important developmental skills in a playful, low-pressure environment. Students practise listening carefully to sound changes, build self-control by freezing on cue, and explore their physical abilities by dancing in different ways. Whether they’re spinning, jumping, or wiggling, they are building coordination and confidence through movement. The game requires no winners, just participation, laughter, and plenty of creativity. It’s an ideal choice for energising a group, supporting social interaction, and helping young children enjoy physical activity while developing foundational skills.
My Favourite Thing
My Favourite Thing is a warm and expressive activity that helps young children explore who they are by connecting with the things they love most. Students begin by drawing a picture of their favourite toy, animal, or food, something that brings them joy or holds special meaning. As they illustrate their chosen favourite, they practise fine motor skills, creativity, and the ability to represent their ideas visually. The activity encourages children to reflect on what makes their favourite thing special, helping them tune into their own preferences and develop a stronger sense of self.
Once the drawings are complete, students share their creations with the group, explaining why they love their chosen item. This simple sharing moment builds verbal expression, confidence, and early communication skills in a safe and supportive setting. As students listen to one another, they learn to appreciate differences, celebrate their peers’ interests, and connect through shared excitement. My Favourite Thing is not competitive, its purpose is joy, connection, and self-expression. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about each child, spark conversations, and build a classroom community where everyone’s interests are valued.
What Animal Would You Be?
What Animal Would You Be? takes students on a lively movement adventure where their imaginations guide the way. As they journey through different environments, from the Australian outback to the African savannah, they transform into a variety of animals, each with its own set of fun, energetic movements. Whether they’re inching like a worm, hopping like a kangaroo, crawling like a bear, or soaring like an eagle, students fully immerse themselves in the experience, building coordination, balance, and motor skills through playful action. The blend of story and movement keeps them engaged from start to finish, helping them connect physical activity with creativity.
Throughout the adventure, students listen closely to instructions, follow along with each animal transformation, and enjoy the chance to express themselves through imaginative movement. There are no winners, just plenty of laughter, energy, and exploration as students decide which animal they’d most like to become. This game works beautifully in classrooms, outdoors, or even at home with families. It encourages physical fitness, imaginative storytelling, and joyful movement, making it a brilliant choice for keeping young learners active, engaged, and excited about learning.
Gratitude Tree
Gratitude Tree is a gentle, heart-warming activity that encourages young students to pause, reflect, and notice all the good things in their world. Through drawing or writing on colourful leaves, children identify the people, places, and moments that make them feel happy and thankful. Each leaf becomes a small but meaningful expression of gratitude, whether it’s for family, pets, sunshine, friends, or a favourite memory. As students decorate their leaves, they practise creative expression, emotional awareness, and the skill of recognising positive moments in their everyday lives.
Once added to the big classroom tree, each leaf becomes part of something bigger, a collective display of thankfulness that grows over time. Students place their gratitude leaves proudly onto the branches and share why their chosen person or moment is special. As the tree fills up, it becomes a powerful visual reminder of the many things that make their community strong, connected, and joyful. The Gratitude Tree encourages teamwork, empathy, and appreciation in a simple, meaningful way, and its beauty grows alongside the children’s understanding of gratitude.
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