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Many of us traded play for pressure. We swapped imagination for efficiency. And without even noticing, we left our inner child behind, tucked away under responsibilities and expectations to "act our age."
But that child is still in there. Still curious. Still craving joy. Still waiting for permission to show up.
This week, we invite you to reconnect. Inner child work through play helps us release the weight of over-structured adulthood and rediscover the freedom to laugh, explore, create, and feel.
Let's tap into the joy buried under the business of growing up and make space to welcome the child within!
New Release – 365 Days of Play Is Here
Life’s too short to take too seriously, so why not turn every day into a playful adventure?
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of 365 Days of Play, the ultimate family companion for connection, happiness, and wellbeing.
This brand-new book by Paul Campbell and me is packed with creative challenges, uplifting stories, and science-backed activities that spark joy for families, friends, and solo adventurers.
From movement games and brain boosters to gratitude prompts and kindness missions, every page invites you to smile, move, and connect in ways you’ll actually look forward to.
Pre-order your copy today and be among the first to bring play home when it launches on June 25, 2025!
Giveaway
Structure can keep us on track, but too much can squeeze the joy out of learning. The Area Dice Challenge is our gift this week to help you shake things up.
This simple game combines maths with exercise, inviting players to roll, calculate, and move through playful challenges. It’s a great way to bring the body back into moving and let go of the need to get it exactly right.
Use it to bring a little silliness back into the routine and reignite a playful mindset for your learners and yourself.
Download the PDF and enjoy movement with less pressure and more play!
Daily Mission Cards
Many adults fear looking silly. Somewhere along the way, dancing turned from joyful to embarrassing.
Today’s mission: grab a few friends and create a fun dance together. The goal isn’t to get it right but to feel alive in the moment.
Dancing breaks down self-consciousness. It gets you out of your head and into your body. It reminds you that joy doesn’t need a reason or a perfect routine. It just needs permission.
Need more ideas like this? Grab the Creative Play and Movement Mission Cards and keep the momentum going with fresh, joyful challenges!
Paper Scissor Rock Split
It’s easy to forget how freeing it feels to move and not take ourselves so seriously.
Paper Scissor Rock Split takes the classic game and adds a physical twist. As players duel it out with rock-paper-scissors, the loser must stretch into a deeper “split” while the winner holds steady.
The game continues until one person wobbles out of balance and gives in to gravity (and laughter). Perfect for kids and adults to let go of stiffness and feel free again.
Download this game and let things get a little silly. That’s the point. That’s the healing!
30 Days of Happiness Challenge
When was the last time you set out to be happy on purpose?
This course invites you to pause and reintroduce joy into your daily rhythm. In this one-hour webinar, I share 30 simple, research-backed ways to bring more happiness into your life.
You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can try over 30 days—no pressure, just intention. Because sometimes happiness isn’t about doing more but remembering what used to come naturally.
You can watch the pre-recorded webinar here, and take the challenge. Your inner child will thank you!
Student Leaders and Staff Legends
Last week, we hit the road to visit the incredible school communities at Kiewa Valley Primary School and Mt Beauty Secondary College, and what a day it was.
At Kiewa Valley, we worked with a brilliant group of Year 5 and 6 students on our Student Agency and Leadership program. They’re now set to champion play-based wellbeing activities across their school, and I’m beyond excited to see the impact they’ll have.
We wrapped up the day with a brand-new PD workshop at Mt Beauty Secondary. The goal? Strengthen staff connection and equip educators with playful, practical ways to build relationships with their students.
Plenty of smiles, plenty of inspiration, and boxes ticked everywhere.
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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