Simple Shifts to Build Inclusive Spaces

April 7, 2025
Simple Shifts to Build Inclusive Spaces

I once saw a child sitting on the edge of the playground, watching. Her wheelchair couldn’t get through the mulch. The game looked fun, but no one asked her to join. Not out of cruelty, just uncertainty.

This plays out every day. Play is meant to connect us, but when environments aren't designed for all abilities, they create quiet physical, social, and emotional barriers.

Inclusive play isn’t about extra attention but thoughtful choices: ramps, visual supports, quiet zones, and flexible rules that welcome different engagement methods.

This week, we’re sharing games and resources to help create spaces where everyone can participate. Because when play is built for all, it becomes what it was always meant to be: shared.

#357: Boosting Creativity: The Power of Boredom and Curiosity

In this week’s Energetic Radio episode, Paul Campbell and I explore a surprising idea that boredom, when paired with curiosity, can unlock creativity.

We also reflect on a huge first term in schools, a surprise birthday card from a local MP, and lessons from coaching junior soccer.

Plus, don’t miss a sneak peek of next week’s episode with Sean Bell, who just became the fastest person to run around Australia.

Tune in for a dose of energy, creativity, and heartfelt tales!

Daily Mission Cards

What’s one of the quickest ways to build connection across differences? A genuine compliment.

Today’s mission: give someone you don’t know a compliment that might just make their day.

Whether it’s a student sitting alone, a teammate who’s been quiet, or a colleague you’ve never really spoken to, your words can open the door to connection.

These small moments help dissolve tension, spark smiles, and remind us that everyone, regardless of background or ability, wants to feel seen and valued.

Want more simple, powerful ways to build belonging? Check out our Kindness & Happiness Mission Cards!

Wellness Guess Who

One of the challenges in inclusive play is that we can’t include each other well if we don’t know each other well.

Wellness Guess Who is simple, reflective, and connection-rich. Everyone writes down a memory they’re grateful for, then the group works together to guess who wrote it. The magic? It creates space for stories, not labels. We hear about quiet victories, family moments, or professional pride — things that help us see beyond surface-level roles.

It’s non-competitive, low-pressure, and fully inclusive. There’s no physical activity or spotlight pressure, just the gentle power of listening and sharing.

Looking to build empathy and trust in your group? This is a great place to start. Download this game!

All you need to know about teaching, learning and classroom management

Inclusion doesn’t just happen in how we welcome students. It shows up in how we teach them.

When learners don’t understand what they’re working toward, frustration builds, especially for those already facing additional challenges. That’s why clarity in the classroom is one of the most powerful tools for equity and engagement.

In this session, Assistant Principal Aaron shares practical, research-based strategies from John Hattie’s Visible Learning to help teachers create lessons where students know:

- What they’re learning

- Why it matters

- How to know when they’ve got it

Access the session here and turn clarity into confidence!

Impact Through Play

Behind every number in this chart is a smile, a breakthrough, a moment of confidence built through play.

- 240 schools where laughter filled the halls

- 830 educators who embraced play-based learning

- 3,470 students who discovered courage, joy, and connection

We’ve seen students find their voice, teachers reignite their passion, and teams come together in ways they never expected. Play isn’t just fun but a powerful tool for learning and growth.

As we wrap up Term 1, our hearts are full. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to keep playing, learning, and growing with you in Term 2!

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