The School of Play Curriculum
Primary School Grade 5 & 6
Week Twelve brings together balance, strategy, fitness, and emotional reflection in an energising and meaningful way. Through interactive games such as Paper Scissor Rock Split, Dice Car Racing, and Last One Standing Dice, students practise physical coordination, sharp reaction skills, and strategic decision-making while working closely with teammates. The competitive elements of each activity encourage resilience, sportsmanship, and focus, all within a fun and supportive environment. Students learn to anticipate, adjust, and respond quickly, skills that are not only essential in games but also in navigating real-life challenges.
This week also emphasises mindset, reflection, and personal growth. In Get Positive, students look back on their recent experiences, discovering how frustrations can become learning opportunities and identifying the positive moments that have shaped them. They also set future intentions, cultivating optimism and awareness. By blending active games with reflective practice, Week Twelve helps students develop both physical confidence and emotional insight. The combination of teamwork, strategic play, and gratitude-based reflection supports students in building stronger connections, a positive outlook, and life skills that will elevate their well-being far beyond the classroom.
Courses
Paper Scissor Rock Split
Paper Scissor Rock Split is an energetic twist on the classic rock-paper-scissors game, combining strategy, balance, and physical coordination. Players face off in a fun, fast-paced battle where each round’s winner steps back and the loser must “split,” sliding their foot forward while struggling to stay balanced. The further the game progresses, the more the tension builds, literally, creating a hilarious and engaging challenge that keeps players focused on both mental strategy and physical stability.
This game encourages friendly competition and sportsmanship while developing coordination, quick thinking, and core balance. Laughter is almost guaranteed as players stretch, wobble, and attempt to outmanoeuvre their opponent without toppling over. Perfect for classrooms, team-building sessions, or playful warm-ups, Paper Scissor Rock Split provides a simple yet highly interactive experience that promotes movement, connection, and plenty of fun.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to recognise emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and amusement during gameplay.
- Builds awareness of emotional regulation by helping students manage competitiveness and react positively to wins and losses.
- Promotes connection and empathy through laughter, fair play, and shared enjoyment with peers.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights strengths such as balance, focus, and adaptability under pressure.
- Encourages perseverance and determination as students strive to maintain balance and composure.
- Builds confidence through skill development and positive engagement in friendly competition.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces resilience when outcomes don’t go as planned, encouraging students to handle setbacks with humour and grace.
- Promotes positive self-talk and composure in moments of challenge or imbalance.
- Encourages students to embrace mistakes as part of learning and growth.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops quick thinking and strategy as students anticipate opponents’ moves.
- Encourages adaptability and creativity in responding to new situations each round.
- Promotes reflective thinking on how balance, focus, and timing influence success.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a playful physical outlet that relieves tension and boosts energy.
- Reinforces calm focus and controlled breathing as tools for maintaining balance and composure.
- Encourages mindfulness through body awareness, movement, and presence in the moment.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises learning from others by observing strategies and techniques.
- Encourages supportive peer interaction and open communication between players.
- Reinforces collaboration and respect in asking questions or offering advice in a non-competitive way.
7. Gender and Identity
- Fosters inclusivity and equality by creating a game where everyone can participate regardless of strength or ability.
- Breaks down stereotypes by valuing strategy, balance, and self-control over physical dominance.
- Promotes confidence and self-expression through fun, creative engagement.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds respect, fairness, and empathy through turn-taking and encouragement.
- Reinforces kindness, cooperation, and celebration of others’ achievements.
- Strengthens social connection by promoting mutual respect and shared laughter within the group.
Get Positive
Get Positive is a reflective well-being activity designed to help students explore their recent experiences, reframe challenges, and cultivate a mindset that focuses on growth and optimism. By revisiting frustrations from the past week, students learn to identify triggers, evaluate their reactions, and uncover valuable lessons hidden within negative moments. This process helps them build emotional awareness, resilience, and the ability to extract positives even from difficult situations.
The activity also encourages students to celebrate the meaningful experiences from the past six months and acknowledge the people who contributed to their happiness and growth. Finally, students shift their gaze forward by identifying future events they’re excited about, reinforcing an optimistic outlook. Get Positive empowers students to recognise that "you get more of what you focus on," making it a powerful tool for building a positive mindset, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering hope for the future.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to identify and articulate a wide range of emotions, from frustration to happiness.
- Builds self-awareness by helping students analyse their emotional reactions and learn from them.
- Promotes emotional regulation and empathy through reflection on how experiences and interactions shape feelings.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights resilience, optimism, and self-reflection as personal strengths that contribute to growth.
- Encourages recognition of positive traits in oneself and others through reflective writing.
- Builds confidence as students acknowledge their ability to overcome challenges and learn from setbacks.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces reframing negative experiences into learning opportunities as a powerful coping strategy.
- Encourages gratitude and forward-thinking as ways to manage stress and maintain balance.
- Promotes a solution-focused mindset by helping students find value in both success and difficulty.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops reflective problem-solving through analysis of past frustrations and exploration of alternative reactions.
- Encourages critical thinking as students identify lessons learned from both positive and negative experiences.
- Strengthens decision-making skills by helping students link reflection to future behaviour and choices.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a structured approach to managing stress through reflection, journaling, and perspective-taking.
- Promotes mindfulness by inviting students to pause, assess, and redirect their focus toward positivity.
- Encourages calm and clarity by transforming frustrations into learning and gratitude opportunities.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises acknowledging struggles and discussing emotions openly as part of healthy growth.
- Encourages students to identify supportive people in their lives who contribute to their wellbeing.
- Reinforces the value of communication, connection, and seeking encouragement when managing challenges.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes self-expression and authenticity by valuing each student’s personal experiences equally.
- Encourages reflection on relationships and how others’ positive influence helps shape identity.
- Fosters inclusivity and respect by recognising diverse perspectives, emotions, and life lessons.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds respect and understanding through reflective sharing and listening to peers’ positive experiences.
- Reinforces kindness, gratitude, and empathy as foundations for respectful interactions.
- Strengthens class culture by fostering positivity, appreciation, and encouragement among all students.
Dice Car Racing
Dice Car Racing is a high-energy team game that blends fitness, teamwork, and the excitement of dice rolling into one fast-paced race. Teams are assigned numbers and compete to move their ‘dice car’ along a racecourse, with each dice roll determining which team advances. After every roll, all teams complete the exercise assigned to the spot on the track, keeping everyone active and fully engaged throughout the game. The combination of movement and chance creates an unpredictable, laughter-filled experience that keeps players motivated and on their toes.
The game encourages collaboration as teammates cheer each other on, strategise together, and celebrate every advance on the track. With physical challenges woven into every roll, Dice Car Racing promotes fitness, coordination, and resilience while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie across the group. Its simplicity, adaptability, and competitive edge make it an ideal activity for classrooms, sports teams, and group settings looking for a fun and inclusive way to combine exercise with playful competition.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages students to recognise emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and pride during fast-paced team play.
- Builds emotional awareness through cooperation, teamwork, and shared celebrations.
- Promotes emotional regulation by helping students manage competitiveness and respond positively to winning or losing.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights perseverance, teamwork, and enthusiasm as personal strengths that contribute to group success.
- Encourages students to recognise their physical abilities, determination, and collaborative spirit.
- Builds confidence as students contribute effort, energy, and encouragement to their team’s progress.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces resilience when results don’t go as expected, encouraging students to stay positive and have fun regardless of the outcome.
- Promotes humour and physical play as healthy coping mechanisms to manage frustration or disappointment.
- Encourages teamwork and communication as constructive responses to challenges.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops teamwork-based problem-solving as students strategise together to motivate and support their team.
- Promotes critical and creative thinking when discussing how to improve performance or teamwork.
- Encourages fair decision-making and collective responsibility in determining goals and next steps.
5. Stress Management
- Provides a fun, movement-based outlet to release energy and tension through physical activity.
- Promotes mindfulness of breathing and focus during exercise, helping students manage excitement and stay calm.
- Reinforces the link between physical movement and emotional wellbeing.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises offering and receiving support from teammates when facing physical or motivational challenges.
- Encourages clear communication and teamwork in achieving shared goals.
- Reinforces that asking for help or cheering on others builds connection and strengthens group cohesion.
7. Gender and Identity
- Creates an inclusive environment where all students participate equally and contribute to team success.
- Breaks down stereotypes by valuing teamwork, enthusiasm, and perseverance over strength or speed.
- Promotes self-expression and confidence through participation in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds mutual respect and appreciation through shared goals, encouragement, and sportsmanship.
- Reinforces kindness, fairness, and inclusivity during competitive play.
- Strengthens classroom culture through collective celebration, laughter, and respect for all participants.
Last One Standing Dice
Last One Standing Dice is a fast-paced, interactive elimination game where players race to be the first to get rid of all their dice. Each roll triggers different actions, passing dice left or right, placing dice in the centre, or holding onto them, keeping everyone alert and constantly adapting. The thrill of watching your dice disappear (or unexpectedly multiply!) creates a lively, unpredictable atmosphere that keeps players fully engaged from start to finish.
The game also incorporates optional physical or reflective elements when players roll a six, adding bursts of movement or gratitude moments that deepen the experience. Whether students are jumping, squatting, or sharing something positive, these moments bring energy, fun, and connection to the group. Last One Standing Dice blends chance, quick thinking, and active play, making it an ideal warm-up, brain break, or team-building activity for energising any group.
Respectful Relationships
1. Emotional Literacy
- Encourages awareness and regulation of emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and competitiveness during fast-paced gameplay.
- Builds empathy and connection as students share laughter, movement, and reflective prompts with peers.
- Promotes emotional mindfulness by combining physical activity with gratitude and positive reflection.
2. Personal Strengths
- Highlights strengths such as quick thinking, adaptability, and self-control under pressure.
- Encourages perseverance and concentration as students stay engaged throughout multiple rounds.
- Builds confidence and self-awareness through positive reflection on gratitude and personal experiences.
3. Positive Coping
- Reinforces positivity and reflection as healthy coping strategies during moments of intensity or competition.
- Encourages humour, gratitude, and perspective-taking when outcomes are unpredictable.
- Promotes resilience and a growth mindset by focusing on effort and enjoyment rather than results.
4. Problem Solving
- Develops decision-making and strategy as students respond quickly and accurately to changing dice outcomes.
- Encourages analytical thinking as students anticipate moves and adapt to new situations.
- Strengthens the ability to stay composed and make thoughtful decisions under time constraints.
5. Stress Management
- Provides an energetic, movement-based outlet that supports relaxation and stress release through play.
- Reinforces mindfulness when paired with gratitude prompts, helping students stay present and positive.
- Promotes balance between physical exertion and emotional calm through laughter and reflection.
6. Help-Seeking
- Normalises asking for clarification or assistance when learning new rules or strategies.
- Encourages cooperation and support among players, fostering mutual understanding and shared enjoyment.
- Reinforces that teamwork and encouragement enhance both learning and fun in group activities.
7. Gender and Identity
- Promotes inclusivity and equality by providing a game where all participants can succeed through focus and effort.
- Breaks down stereotypes by valuing emotional reflection and strategic thinking equally.
- Encourages authentic participation where individuality and personal expression are celebrated.
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Builds respectful peer relationships through fairness, turn-taking, and supportive communication.
- Reinforces empathy and sportsmanship by celebrating effort and positivity, not just competition.
- Strengthens group cohesion through shared laughter, encouragement, and mutual respect.
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