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Have you had a student who barely spoke all term? He showed up, did the work, and kept to himself. I have.
Then one day, during a simple group game, something changed. He laughed, joined in, and slowly started speaking up in class.
You can't teach a student who doesn't feel safe. And yet, many classrooms prioritise control over connection.
Research shows that rigid schedules, adult-led instruction, and limited opportunities for child-led exploration suppress creativity and self-regulation.
The good news? We don't have to wait for students to open up. We can design the conditions that invite them to.
And one of the most effective tools we have is play.
This week, we're diving into the science that shifts your environment into safety to help students step out, speak up, and grow. Let's begin!
Real Schools. Real Results.
What does a truly play-based well-being curriculum look like in action? In this free live webinar, we're pulling back the curtain to show you what happens when real schools put play first and the real impact it's having on student mental health, trust, and classroom culture.
Here's what schools are saying:
"The School of Play has been a game-changer for our students. They love the activities, and we've seen real improvements in their emotional intelligence and teamwork."
— Lynn Ordish, Principal, Mossgiel Park Primary School
"Our students look forward to the weekly activities, and the teachers appreciate the ease of implementation."
— Jo Chan, HPE Teacher, Bass Coast Secondary School
If you're ready to give your students a well-being experience they'll look forward to, this is the session for you.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 · 1 PM AEST
Can't attend live? We'll send the recording to all who register.
BONUS: All attendees receive 10 free play-based activities + access to book a private school walkthrough.
#367: What You Avoid Controls You: Embracing New Challenges, Connection & Growth
In this powerful episode of Energetic Radio, Paul and I return from a whirlwind of speaking gigs, family adventures, and creative projects with fresh stories and honest reflections about the moments that stretched us, scared us, and ultimately connected us more deeply to ourselves and others.
From launching new programs to snorkelling for the first time at 40, this episode is a reminder that growth begins where avoidance ends. Vulnerability is the entry point to trust and connection. And just like in the classroom, when we feel safe enough to show up fully, everything changes.
Listen now and rediscover how the things you avoid might just be the path to the connection and confidence you’re chasing!
Daily Mission Cards
Did you know a 10-second laugh can do more to connect kids than a 10-minute lecture? That’s the beauty of playful rituals. They don’t need to be long to make an impact.
Today’s mission challenges kids to a stare-off. No blinking. No smiling. Just eye contact and awkward giggles until someone breaks.
When children laugh together, they let their guard down. They feel safe enough to be silly. And that sense of safety? It’s the foundation for everything else: learning, sharing, belonging.
Want 50 more playful ways to boost connection and confidence?
Grab your Creative Play & Movement Mission Cards and turn every day into a safe space to connect and grow!
Left, Right, Up or Down
What's one of the easiest ways to help students manage anxiety? Let them take playful risks often and safely.
In this game, students face off in fast-paced head-to-head rounds, where a split-second decision can mean a win or 20 squats.
At its core, this activity encourages students to take quick social and physical risks in a safe, supported setting. There's laughter. There's energy. And there's just enough challenge to stretch their comfort zones without tipping into overwhelm.
Try it as a warm-up, energiser, or team challenge this week—no equipment needed.
Want more games like this? They're waiting for you on the Jugar Life website!
Establishing conditions for learning through play
If we want young people to thrive beyond the classroom or sports field, we need to think long-term.
In this powerful session, Richard Cheetham dives into the role of play not as an afterthought but as a foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and well-being.
Drawing from over a decade of coaching experience at Saracens RFC, Fulham FC, and British Triathlon, Richard unpacks how playful conditions fuel deep motivation, adaptability, and social connection.
This one’s for teachers, coaches, and parents ready to think differently about what really prepares young people for the future.
Check it out now. And if you haven’t already, explore the Creative Play and Movement Daily Mission Cards Richard co-designed with me. They're the perfect complement to this course!
Empowered to Lead: Karingal Primary’s Student-Led Well-being Success
Our partnership with Karingal Primary School continues to inspire. In 2025, their remarkable student leadership team took our Student Agency in Well-being and Leadership program to new heights, leading lunchtime activities, classroom workshops, and even staff PD sessions.
With strong trust from school leadership and a deep focus on connectedness, these young leaders have made a lasting impact on their community. We’re proud to walk alongside them on this development.
Join us on this global journey of joy and connection! If you want to bring The School of Play to your community, fill out the form here ➡
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