The School of Play Curriculum
Primary School Grade 5 & 6
Week Sixteen brings a vibrant mix of teamwork, gratitude, fitness, and creativity to energise students and strengthen classroom connection. Through activities like Buzz Three or More, students practise concentration, mental agility, and collaborative problem-solving as they work together toward a shared counting goal. Physical fitness and teamwork are further woven throughout the session with activities like Deck of Cards Racing, where students cheer one another on, build group momentum, and experience the joy of active, friendly competition. These tasks promote quick thinking, positivity, and group cohesion.
This week also invites students into meaningful gratitude and creative expression. In The Gratitude Game, students pause to reflect on positive experiences and develop an appreciation for the good moments within their day. Creativity takes centre stage with Mr. Squiggle Gratitude, where students transform simple shapes into expressive artwork inspired by gratitude reflections. Together, these activities nurture imagination, emotional well-being, and supportive communication, helping students grow socially, mentally, and physically while strengthening the bonds within the group.
Courses
Buzz Three or More
Buzz Three or More is a fast-paced cooperative counting game that challenges groups to stay focused, think quickly, and work together to reach a shared goal. Players take turns counting aloud while following a special “buzz rule,” where certain numbers, multiples of a chosen number or those containing a specific digit, must be replaced with the word “buzz.” The physical element of holding a squat and standing on buzz numbers adds an energising fitness twist, keeping everyone engaged both mentally and physically.
The game creates a fun, high-energy atmosphere filled with teamwork, communication, laughter, and collective problem-solving. Because the group restarts whenever a mistake is made, players naturally support one another, celebrate progress, and stay motivated to beat their previous best. Buzz Three or More is ideal as a warm-up, team-building activity, or classroom energiser, and is easily adaptable for different group sizes, ages, and learning goals.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to identify and articulate emotions connected to personal experiences and reflections.
- Builds empathy by allowing students to listen to and appreciate the unique stories, thoughts, and creative expressions of others.
- Promotes emotional awareness through self-reflection and sharing in a safe, supportive environment.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights creativity, self-expression, and reflection as valuable personal strengths.
- Encourages recognition of individual qualities, talents, and experiences that make each student unique.
- Builds confidence and self-awareness as students share personal stories and insights with their peers.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces reflection, creativity, and communication as healthy outlets for emotional expression.
- Encourages gratitude and optimism by prompting students to focus on meaningful experiences and connections.
- Promotes vulnerability and openness as positive, strength-based approaches to connection and understanding.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops critical and creative thinking as students choose how to interpret and express their responses.
- Encourages self-reflection as a form of internal problem-solving and personal growth.
- Promotes listening and understanding as tools for resolving misunderstanding and fostering stronger connections.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a calm, reflective space for mindfulness and emotional processing through creative expression.
- Reinforces the use of storytelling, drawing, and writing as methods for relaxation and emotional release.
- Encourages positive connection and laughter, which help reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises sharing personal experiences and feelings as part of building trust and mutual understanding.
- Encourages supportive peer relationships through active listening and empathy.
- Reinforces that openness and communication help strengthen relationships and create emotional safety.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity and equality by valuing each student’s authentic self-expression and story.
- Encourages confidence in identity formation through reflection on personal experiences and values.
- Challenges stereotypes by providing an open platform for diverse perspectives and creative expression.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation through shared storytelling and reflection.
- Reinforces kindness, empathy, and fairness in group communication and feedback.
- Strengthens class culture by celebrating individuality while fostering unity and connection.
The Gratitude Game
The Gratitude Game is a simple, uplifting reflection activity designed to help players end their day on a positive note. Using a dice to select questions, participants share meaningful reflections about the good moments in their day, what they did well, what they learned, who they helped, or what they’re looking forward to. The game encourages mindful thinking, helping players shift their focus toward gratitude, personal wins, and positive experiences.
Perfect for classrooms, families, or small groups, this game strengthens relationships through open conversation and shared appreciation. Players listen, encourage, and celebrate one another’s reflections, creating a warm and supportive environment. Optional Post-it notes can be used to build a Gratitude Wall, offering a powerful visual reminder of the positives in everyone’s lives. The Gratitude Game is an easy, meaningful way to boost happiness, connection, and well-being.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to identify and express positive emotions connected to their daily experiences.
- Builds emotional vocabulary by helping students articulate feelings of gratitude, pride, and happiness.
- Promotes empathy through active listening and appreciation of others’ reflections and positive moments.
2. Personal Strengths
- Helps students recognise and celebrate their achievements, skills, and positive qualities.
- Encourages self-confidence by focusing on what went well and what they did successfully during the day.
- Reinforces awareness of how personal strengths contribute to happiness and the well-being of others.
3. Positive Coping
- Cultivates optimism and resilience by redirecting focus from challenges to positive outcomes and gratitude.
- Promotes reflection as a healthy coping strategy for processing daily events.
- Encourages mindfulness and the practice of appreciation as tools for maintaining emotional balance.
4. Problem Solving
- Encourages reflective thinking by helping students analyse what went well and how they contributed positively.
- Reinforces that reflection can lead to insights about future actions, relationships, and self-improvement.
- Builds perspective-taking as students hear and appreciate others’ reflections and successes.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a calm, reflective structure to end the day positively, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Encourages gratitude as a proven method to promote happiness and emotional regulation.
- Creates a mindful practice of focusing on daily highlights to enhance overall well-being.
6. Help-Seeking
- Fosters open communication and connection by encouraging students to share thoughts and feelings.
- Reinforces that talking about positive and negative experiences can strengthen trust and relationships.
- Normalises reflection and discussion as supportive tools for maintaining mental and emotional health.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity and equal voice by valuing all participants’ perspectives and experiences.
- Encourages self-awareness and identity development through personal reflection.
- Builds confidence in self-expression by allowing all students to share in a safe, respectful space.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Reinforces respect, empathy, and appreciation during group sharing and listening.
- Strengthens social bonds by encouraging encouragement, kindness, and gratitude toward others.
- Builds a classroom or family culture based on positivity, respect, and shared understanding.
Deck of Cards Racing
Deck of Cards Racing is a fast-paced, team-based fitness challenge that blends movement, teamwork, and the excitement of chance. Each team represents a suit from a deck of cards, and as cards are drawn, teams race to move their ‘ace’ along the course while completing short bursts of exercise. With every card flip bringing a new opportunity to advance, teams must work together, stay motivated, and give their best effort to propel their ace forward. The added option to share something they’re grateful for each time they progress adds a meaningful reflective element to the game.
Perfect for energising groups of all sizes, Deck of Cards Racing encourages positive competition, communication, and collective fitness. The unpredictability of the card draws keeps everyone engaged, while the exercises ensure an active and dynamic experience. The game builds team spirit, strengthens relationships, and gets hearts pumping, all while creating a fun, supportive, and motivating atmosphere.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to recognise emotions such as excitement, motivation, and anticipation during gameplay.
- Promotes empathy and awareness of others’ feelings through encouragement, teamwork, and shared celebration of progress.
- Builds emotional regulation skills as students manage competitiveness, frustration, and teamwork challenges constructively.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights persistence, determination, and teamwork as personal strengths that contribute to success.
- Encourages students to recognise and apply their individual skills to support their team’s performance.
- Builds confidence and resilience through active participation and physical challenge.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces using teamwork, humour, and encouragement to manage setbacks and maintain motivation.
- Promotes a growth mindset by focusing on effort, improvement, and collective success rather than winning alone.
- Encourages positive communication and self-regulation during competition and exercise.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops strategic thinking as teams plan how to motivate each other and complete challenges efficiently.
- Strengthens decision-making and adaptability as students respond to the unpredictability of card draws.
- Reinforces teamwork as a collaborative approach to overcoming challenges and achieving shared goals.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a fun, energetic outlet for physical activity that supports stress relief and mental well-being.
- Encourages teamwork and laughter, which help build a positive, low-pressure environment.
- Promotes mindfulness through gratitude reflections, shifting focus toward positivity and appreciation.
6. Help-Seeking
- Reinforces communication and support within teams, normalising asking for help or encouragement during challenges.
- Builds trust among peers as students rely on one another to complete physical and emotional tasks.
- Demonstrates how connection and cooperation can strengthen problem-solving and perseverance.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity and equality by valuing each team member’s contribution equally, regardless of gender or background.
- Encourages respect and acceptance of different abilities, strengths, and leadership styles within teams.
- Builds confidence and belonging through shared participation in a collaborative, non-judgmental environment.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Reinforces respect, fairness, and cooperation through team-based play.
- Encourages positive social interaction, mutual encouragement, and celebration of others’ achievements.
- Strengthens class culture by fostering connection, empathy, and kindness in competitive settings.
Mr Squiggle Gratitude
Mr Squiggle Gratitude is a fun, creative, and deeply reflective activity that encourages students to express gratitude through imaginative drawing. Inspired by the classic Australian TV character Mr Squiggle, participants transform random lines and shapes into meaningful artwork that represents their response to a gratitude-focused question. This playful challenge blends creativity with emotional reflection, helping students think deeply about the positive people, moments, and experiences in their lives.
Perfect for classrooms, workshops, or family groups, this activity fosters connection, conversation, and joy as participants share their drawings and the stories behind them. Mr Squiggle Gratitude not only sparks creativity and laughter but also opens the door to meaningful conversations about appreciation, kindness, and the good things we often take for granted. It’s a simple yet profound way to bring gratitude to life through art.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to recognise, express, and share positive emotions through creative artwork.
- Helps students translate feelings of gratitude, joy, and appreciation into visual expression, strengthening emotional awareness.
- Promotes empathy by listening to others’ stories and appreciating the emotions behind each drawing.
2. Personal Strengths
- Builds confidence by allowing students to celebrate their creativity and individuality through imaginative design.
- Encourages self-expression and ownership of ideas, highlighting each student’s unique artistic and reflective strengths.
- Reinforces the understanding that creativity and gratitude are valuable personal qualities that enhance wellbeing.
3. Positive Coping
- Provides a creative and calming outlet for processing thoughts and emotions.
- Helps students reframe challenges by focusing on gratitude and the positive aspects of their lives.
- Promotes self-soothing and mindfulness through artistic engagement and reflective sharing.
4. Problem Solving
- Encourages imaginative problem-solving as students transform random shapes and lines into meaningful drawings.
- Reinforces flexible thinking and adaptability by asking students to see potential and positivity in unexpected forms.
- Promotes reflection on how creativity and gratitude can be applied as problem-solving tools in daily life.
5. Stress Management
- Offers a mindful, low-pressure activity that promotes relaxation through drawing and reflection.
- Encourages gratitude as a proven method for reducing stress and boosting emotional resilience.
- Fosters connection and positivity, helping students unwind while sharing meaningful, uplifting stories.
6. Help-Seeking
- Builds connection and trust through group sharing, encouraging students to express themselves openly in a supportive space.
- Reinforces the importance of communication and emotional sharing as healthy, positive habits.
- Normalises asking for understanding and support by inviting vulnerability and empathy through storytelling.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity and equality by valuing every participant’s unique artistic perspective and story.
- Encourages authentic self-expression and acceptance of individual identity through creativity.
- Supports confidence in expressing personal viewpoints, emotions, and gratitude without judgment.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Strengthens empathy, kindness, and respect through group discussion and appreciation of each participant’s contribution.
- Encourages active listening, validation, and encouragement among peers.
- Builds a positive classroom culture centred on gratitude, creativity, and mutual respect.
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