The School of Play Curriculum
Primary School Grade 5 & 6
Week Three blends high-energy physical activities with gratitude, reflection, and kindness to create a balanced, uplifting learning experience. Students take part in fun fitness challenges that build coordination, focus, and teamwork while also engaging in reflective practices that encourage them to notice the positives in their week. Through creative exercises, shared laughter, and collaborative problem-solving, students strengthen their physical confidence and deepen their sense of connection with classmates.
This week also highlights the importance of gratitude and kindness as foundations for personal growth and well-being. Students reflect on moments they are proud of, share stories of kindness, and set intentions for how they want to show up for themselves and others. Through activities that combine movement, communication, emotional awareness, and playful interaction, Week Three helps students grow physically, socially, and emotionally, supporting them to become kinder, more connected, and more self-aware young people.
Courses
One Two Three
One Two Three is a lively, rhythm-based partner game that blends fitness, focus, and fun to energise any session from the very first minute. What begins as a simple counting exercise quickly evolves into a playful challenge as numbers are swapped for actions, clapping, nodding, raising arms, or performing bodyweight movements. Each round becomes progressively more complex, requiring students to stay fully present, think quickly, and synchronise their actions with their partner. This not only sharpens coordination and concentration but also boosts physical activity through light, enjoyable movement.
Beyond the physical challenge, One Two Three is a powerful connection builder that sparks laughter, lowers barriers, and creates a shared sense of joy among participants. With no winners or losers, the focus is entirely on engaging together, encouraging one another, and embracing the inevitable mistakes that make the game even more fun. The game’s flexibility, with fitness variations, creative movement substitutions, and opportunities for students to lead, makes it suitable for all ages and settings. One Two Three sets a positive tone for any class, workshop, or keynote, instantly fostering social connection, boosting mood, and preparing students for a collaborative, energetic learning experience.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to recognise and express positive emotions through laughter and playful interaction.
- Builds awareness of feelings like excitement, joy, and connection during shared physical activity.
- Promotes self-regulation through focus and coordination during the game’s rhythm-based challenges.
2. Personal Strengths
- Reinforces perseverance, focus, and adaptability as students master increasingly complex movement sequences.
- Builds confidence and pride in physical and social achievement through participation.
- Highlights teamwork, patience, and encouragement as personal and collective strengths.
3. Positive Coping
- Teaches students to stay calm and positive when mistakes happen, using humour and persistence to keep playing.
- Reinforces a growth mindset, viewing errors as opportunities to learn and improve.
4. Problem Solving
- Strengthens cognitive flexibility and decision-making as students adapt quickly to changing rules.
- Encourages creativity and critical thinking through rhythm, timing, and coordination.
5. Stress Management
- Provides an energising outlet for physical movement that supports emotional release and stress reduction.
- Encourages mindfulness through rhythmic repetition and focused attention.
6. Help-Seeking
- Fosters peer support and cooperative learning as students model and assist each other during the game.
- Builds comfort in asking for clarification or guidance when learning new patterns.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusion and equality through shared physical play where all participants contribute equally.
- Encourages authentic self-expression through movement, rhythm, and laughter without stereotypes.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds mutual respect through cooperation, encouragement, and shared enjoyment.
- Reinforces fair play, empathy, and positive communication during group interaction.
Weekly Celebration
Weekly Celebration is a simple but powerful reflective routine that encourages participants to pause, acknowledge the good in their lives, and cultivate a mindset grounded in gratitude. Through four guided prompts, individuals look back on their week to identify the best moment they experienced, an act of kindness they offered, something they did to add value to their own life, and one thing they are looking forward to. This process helps students build emotional awareness and develop a consistent gratitude practice, reinforcing positive thinking and personal growth in a gentle, accessible way.
Beyond personal reflection, Weekly Celebration also strengthens group connection and well-being when shared in classrooms, workplaces, or families. Whether completed privately or discussed together, the activity fosters mindfulness, boosts morale, and encourages participants to recognise the positive impact they have on themselves and others. By ending the reflection with a future focus, Weekly Celebration promotes optimism and forward planning, helping individuals carry a sense of purpose and positivity into the week ahead. It’s a meaningful ritual that builds emotional resilience, connection, and a stronger sense of community.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to identify, express, and reflect on emotions linked to gratitude, kindness, and achievement.
- Builds awareness of how positive experiences influence mood and emotional well-being.
- Supports empathy through recognising the impact of kind actions on others.
2. Personal Strengths
- Promotes self-awareness by helping students recognise their strengths and growth over the week.
- Builds confidence through reflection on personal achievements and meaningful actions.
- Reinforces goal-setting and self-improvement as ongoing personal strengths.
3. Positive Coping
- Helps students reframe challenges by focusing on positive events and progress.
- Encourages emotional resilience and optimism through regular gratitude practice.
4. Problem Solving
- Promotes reflective thinking about how actions and choices contribute to positive outcomes.
- Encourages planning and forward-thinking by setting intentions for the coming week.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a structured opportunity for mindfulness and calm reflection.
- Reduces stress by shifting focus from pressure or negativity to gratitude and anticipation.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises open discussion about emotional experiences and support networks.
- Encourages appreciation and recognition of people who contribute positively to one’s life.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity by allowing all students to share experiences that reflect their authentic selves.
- Encourages respect for diverse perspectives and individual definitions of success and happiness.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds respect and empathy through recognising and celebrating others’ positive actions.
- Strengthens social bonds and class cohesion through shared reflection and encouragement.
Dice Spinner
Dice Spinner is a fast-paced, high-energy game designed to ignite quick thinking, laughter, and teamwork right from the start. Whether used as a connection starter or a fitness-focused challenge, the game encourages players to think on their feet as they race to be the first to roll a one. The competitive yet playful format keeps everyone engaged, with each round offering new opportunities for interaction, humour, and friendly rivalry. In the team-building version, the winner of each round sparks conversation by asking a get-to-know-you question, helping to deepen social connections and create a fun, positive atmosphere.
In the fitness version, Dice Spinner transforms into an active workout that blends physical movement with fast reaction times. Players who don’t roll a one complete exercises such as spins, burpees, or other movements that gradually increase in intensity, making the game both physically challenging and exhilarating. Across both versions, the game promotes teamwork, healthy competition, and supportive group dynamics as players cheer one another on. Dice Spinner is versatile, inclusive, and adaptable for any age group, ideal for energising a classroom, warming up a workshop, or adding movement and fun to any group session.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Builds awareness of emotions like excitement, anticipation, and frustration in a fast-paced game.
- Encourages positive emotional expression through laughter and celebration.
- Promotes self-regulation by helping students manage competitiveness and stay calm under pressure.
2. Personal Strengths
- Reinforces persistence, focus, and resilience during repeated rounds of play.
- Encourages confidence through participation, quick thinking, and teamwork.
- Highlights fairness, patience, and good sportsmanship as key personal strengths.
3. Positive Coping
- Teaches students to handle losing or making mistakes positively in a playful setting.
- Reinforces emotional resilience through humour, support, and trying again after setbacks.
4. Problem Solving
- Promotes quick decision-making and strategy as students react to rolling outcomes.
- Encourages adaptability when gameplay rules or challenges change between rounds.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a fun and energising outlet for stress release through physical movement and laughter.
- Builds focus and composure through repeated, mindful engagement with fast-paced activity.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises communication and peer encouragement during team play.
- Encourages students to ask for rule clarification or support when learning game variations.
7. Gender and Identity
- Creates an inclusive environment where all students participate equally, regardless of ability or gender.
- Encourages authentic self-expression through shared fun and connection.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Reinforces fairness, respect, and kindness through turn-taking and positive competition.
- Promotes empathy and cooperation by celebrating everyone’s participation and effort.
Well-being Skittles
Well-being Skittles is a beautifully simple and heartfelt activity that uses colour-coded prompts to spark meaningful conversations about kindness. Each Skittle becomes a gateway to a personal reflection, inviting students to share moments when they felt loved, times when they helped others, acts of kindness they’ve witnessed, and even situations where they chose kindness despite challenges. The colourful, playful nature of the game helps create a safe and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable opening up, fostering empathy, understanding, and emotional awareness. It transforms a small lolly into a powerful tool for connection and reflection.
The activity also encourages students to look ahead and commit to practising kindness in their daily lives. Whether sharing a smile, offering help, or showing compassion in difficult moments, each student leaves with a renewed intention to be kind and make a positive impact. The collective sharing creates a ripple effect, listening to others’ experiences inspires students to recognise the power of kindness within their own actions. Well-being Skittles is accessible, uplifting, and suitable for all ages, making it a perfect activity for classrooms, staff groups, families, or any setting wanting to build a more caring and connected community.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Builds awareness and understanding of emotions connected to giving and receiving kindness.
- Encourages students to express feelings of gratitude, empathy, and compassion.
- Strengthens emotional connection through storytelling and listening to peers’ experiences.
2. Personal Strengths
- Helps students recognise positive personal qualities such as empathy, generosity, and patience.
- Promotes confidence and pride in performing and reflecting on kind actions.
- Encourages self-awareness by identifying values that guide their behaviour.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces kindness as a proactive coping tool for managing emotions and conflict.
- Encourages students to use empathy and understanding when faced with unkindness or stress.
4. Problem Solving
- Promotes reflection on how kind actions can help resolve social challenges.
- Encourages creative thinking about how to show kindness in difficult situations.
5. Stress Management
- Fosters calm and positivity by focusing on uplifting memories and experiences.
- Promotes emotional regulation through sharing and listening in a supportive group setting.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises discussing emotions and experiences with peers in a safe environment.
- Highlights the importance of asking for and offering help as part of caring relationships.
7. Gender and Identity
- Encourages inclusion and respect for all individuals’ experiences of kindness, regardless of gender.
- Promotes authenticity and acceptance by valuing diverse perspectives and actions.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Reinforces respect, empathy, and care in interpersonal interactions.
- Builds a culture of kindness and fairness that supports equality and healthy relationships.
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