The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 18 blends playful prediction, future-focused reflection, emotion-in-motion, and body–mind kindness. Open with Higher or Lower Team Play: flip a card, the class signals higher/lower (voice, thumbs, coloured cards), then celebrates right calls and turns misses into quick, light challenges (group claps, silly faces, a Mexican wave). Model calm mistakes and shared decision-making; split into two friendly teams if you want points. Shift to Get Excited: students list or draw near, and far-future moments (this week, next term, long-term goals), then optional share and post to a “Get Excited Wall” to build motivation. Turn up the energy with Feelings Relay: draw a card, cross the space using the matching emotion move (e.g., happy skips, excited jumps, sad slow walk, angry stomps) while your peers cheer; discuss which feelings were easiest/hardest and how movement helps with regulation. Close with Wheel of Fortune Wellness: rotate through simple exercise stations paired with gratitude/empathy prompts (e.g., 10 squats + “something I’m grateful for”), optional dice to randomise rotations, and team encouragement at every stop.
Preparation is minimal (a deck of cards, paper/pencils, 6–8 station signs, cones/markers, and an open space). Accessibility remains central: oversized/visual cards, AAC and gesture options, seated or upper-body movements, wide pathways, extra processing time, and “pass” is always okay. Expect gains in number sense and prediction, teamwork and communication, resilience in the face of mistakes, motivation for the future, emotional intelligence and regulation, and a stronger body–mind gratitude link, wrapped in cheers, choice, and inclusive fun.
Weekly Lessons
Higher or Lower Team Play
Higher or Lower Team Play is a fast, fun, and inclusive group activity where students work together to predict whether the next playing card will be higher or lower than the one before it. The game builds number sense, early prediction skills, and communication, while also strengthening teamwork as students share their thinking using words, gestures, or simple signals. Every correct prediction is celebrated with a joyful team action, like clapping, cheering, or doing a class dance, helping to build a positive classroom culture where everyone feels successful.
When predictions are incorrect, the class completes a fun, low-pressure challenge such as group claps, body spins, silly faces, or movement actions. This helps students build resilience, practise managing mistakes positively, and learn that getting things “wrong” is just another chance to try again together. The game is adaptable for all ages and abilities, with accessible celebration options, visual prediction cues, and movement alternatives for wheelchair users. The focus is not on winning but on collaborating, sharing ideas, celebrating effort, and enjoying playful learning as a team.
Please note: For students with sensory learning needs or those who utilise an AAC device, please refer to the levels A-B PDF for activity variation ideas and strategies.
Levels A & B download HERE
Levels C & D download HERE
Levels F to 3 download HERE
Get Excited
Get Excited is a joyful reflection activity designed to help students think about the positive events, moments, and goals they are looking forward to in the near or distant future. Through writing, drawing, or sharing, students create a list of exciting things across different time frames, this week, next month, next term, or even dreams for their future selves. The activity encourages children to explore why these moments matter to them, how they make them feel, and how looking forward to things helps maintain a balanced and positive mindset. Students learn that having future events, big or small, creates motivation, hope, and emotional well-being.
After building their “excited list,” students read back over their ideas, noticing how anticipation can boost happiness and energy. They then share with a partner, small group, or whole class, celebrating each other’s goals and upcoming events. Through guided prompts and discussion, students reflect on how thinking ahead keeps them motivated and grounded, and how focusing on positive future moments can brighten their day right now. The activity is flexible, inclusive, and accessible, allowing every child to express their excitement in their own way and feel supported, valued, and connected.
Please note: For students with sensory learning needs or those who utilise an AAC device, please refer to the levels A-B PDF for activity variation ideas and strategies.
Levels A & B download HERE
Levels C & D download HERE
Levels F to 3 download HERE
Feelings Relay
Feelings Relay is an energetic and expressive movement game that helps students explore, recognise, and act out different emotions in a playful, supportive way. Using simple prompts linked to feelings, such as skipping for “happy,” slow walking for “sad,” jumping for “excited,” or stomping for “angry”, students move across a play space while their classmates cheer them on. This active approach builds emotional awareness, confidence, and self-regulation as students learn to match physical movements with how feelings might look or feel in the body. It also promotes safe movement, listening, and following instructions while keeping the activity fun and accessible for all learners.
Beyond movement, the game strengthens empathy, connection, and kindness within the group. Students practise supporting each other through positive encouragement, celebrating differences in expression, and recognising that everyone experiences emotions in their own way. Whether played as a whole-class relay, in teams, or individually with gentle peer support, Feelings Relay fosters emotional literacy, positive peer interactions, and a warm classroom culture where all students feel safe to express themselves. The focus is not on competition but on understanding feelings, moving safely, and lifting each other up through kindness and enthusiasm.
Please note: For students with sensory learning needs or those who utilise an AAC device, please refer to the levels A-B PDF for activity variation ideas and strategies.
Levels A & B download HERE
Levels C & D download HERE
Levels F to 3 download HERE
Wheel of Fortune Wellness
Wheel of Fortune Wellness is an energising blend of movement, mindfulness, and gratitude designed to help students connect their bodies and minds in a fun, supportive way. In small teams, students rotate through wellness stations that pair simple physical exercises, like squats, lunges, star jumps, and planks, with positive reflection prompts that encourage gratitude, empathy, self-love, and kindness. As teams complete each station together, they share reflections about people they care for, things they appreciate, goals they are working toward, or moments of resilience they’ve experienced. Every movement is matched with a positive thought, helping students feel more grounded, connected, and aware of their emotions while staying active.
The game creates a safe, uplifting environment where students motivate one another, celebrate effort, and practise expressing positive thoughts out loud. Teams rotate around 6–8 stations, performing exercises, sharing answers, and cheering each other on as they build confidence and well-being. Whether they are saying something they are grateful for, offering a compliment, or reflecting on a personal goal, students learn that kindness and movement go hand in hand. There are no winners, success is measured by students feeling connected, encouraged, and proud of themselves and their teammates as they move, reflect, and grow together.
Please note: For students with sensory learning needs or those who utilise an AAC device, please refer to the levels A-B PDF for activity variation ideas and strategies.
Levels A & B download HERE
Levels C & D download HERE
Levels F to 3 download HERE
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