The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 15 weaves gratitude, confident self-talk, active connection, and empathy share-outs. Open with The Gratitude Game: roll, match the 1–6 prompt, and have everyone answer with words, drawings, gestures, or AAC (2–3 minutes to jot). Then, celebrate with a class cheer and post to a Gratitude Wall if you like. Lift the energy with Circle Swap: one student in the centre says their name + a fact (“I love pizza”); everyone who’s the same does the agreed movement (“Me too!”) and swaps spots, rotate centre quickly and refresh moves on a timer to keep it lively. Shift to quiet SEL with Three Things I Love About Me: students list/draw three strengths, add a short “why,” and turn them into simple affirmations they can use on tough days; optional partner share. Close with Suit Stories: draw a card, share/act a safe short story, and classmates show connection with a thumbs-up, wrap with a quick “what we learned about feelings” reflection.
Preparation is minimal (foam/regular dice or spinner, six question cards with visuals, paper/pencils, a deck of cards, and an open space). Accessibility stays central: roll dice on a tray/table; offer visuals/AAC and sentence starters; allow drawing/pointing/gestures instead of speech; mirror adapted movements (seated/upper-body options) and keep pathways wide; set the wall/display at eye level for everyone; build in extra processing time and buddy supports; “pass” is always okay. Expect wins in naming and practising gratitude, sharing personal strengths, recognising peer memory, and promoting safe movement, along with empathy language, delivered with cheers, choice, and inclusive participation.
Weekly Lessons
The Gratitude Game
The Gratitude Game is a simple, joyful way for students across Levels A–D and F–3 to practise noticing the good in their day, sharing their ideas, and celebrating the positives together. Using a dice and visual gratitude question cards, students respond to prompts through words, drawings, gestures, or AAC, making the activity accessible for all communicators. Each roll invites students to reflect on moments of happiness, pride, support, or excitement, helping them recognise that gratitude is something they can experience every single day. The shared celebration after each round builds confidence, belonging, and a warm sense of community.
As students take turns answering, they listen to each other, practise respectful communication, and discover new reasons to feel thankful. Over time, the activity strengthens emotional awareness and well-being by helping students focus on the positives in their lives and their classroom. Whether answers are placed on a Gratitude Wall, recorded in journals, or simply shared aloud, The Gratitude Game reinforces the message that gratitude is powerful, personal, and worth celebrating 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
Three Things I Love About Me
Three Things I Love About Me is a warm, confidence-building reflection activity that helps students across Levels A–D and F–3 recognise and celebrate the qualities, strengths, and talents that make them unique. Whether students draw, write, speak, or use symbols, the focus is on noticing what they are proud of, the things that make them feel happy, capable, special, and valued. By taking time to identify three positive things about themselves, students begin strengthening their self-esteem and creating a healthier, more affirming inner voice.
The activity also encourages students to reflect on why these strengths matter and how remembering them can help during challenging moments. Students learn that their qualities, kindness, bravery, creativity, helpfulness, humour, resilience, are powerful tools they carry with them every day. When shared with partners, small groups, or the class, these reflections help build a positive, supportive community where everyone’s strengths are recognised and celebrated. Three Things I Love About Me promotes self-love, emotional well-being, and a classroom culture where every student is proud of who they are.
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
Circle Swap
Circle Swap is a lively and inclusive connection game designed to help students learn each other’s names, discover shared interests, and build confidence through movement and play. As students take turns standing in the centre to say their name and share something about themselves, the rest of the class listens closely and joins in if the fact relates to them. The simple call of “Me too!” combined with energetic movement creates a joyful atmosphere where students feel seen, heard, and supported. The activity blends memory, social interaction, and active play, strengthening the foundations of belonging in any classroom.
The game continues as students swap places around the circle, share new facts, and respond to one another with enthusiasm and encouragement. Every round offers opportunities to practise listening, communication, and respectful turn-taking, all while having fun and staying active. With its focus on shared experiences and positive peer interactions, Circle Swap helps students build strong relationships, learn new things about their classmates, and feel part of a caring, connected community. It is simple, engaging, and a brilliant way to start or reset the energy of any group.
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
Suit Stories
Suit Stories is a simple and powerful game that helps students learn about emotions in a playful and engaging way. By drawing a card from a standard deck and matching the suit to a feeling, Love, Nervous, Excited, or Tired, students get the chance to name emotions, think about times they have felt them, and share safe personal stories or act them out. This gentle structure helps children build emotional awareness while also developing confidence in expressing themselves in different ways. Whether spoken, acted, or signalled, every contribution strengthens students’ understanding of their own feelings.
The game also builds empathy and connection across the group. After each student shares, classmates show a thumbs up if they’ve felt the same emotion, helping students recognise that their feelings are normal and shared. By listening respectfully, celebrating each other’s experiences, and choosing how they want to communicate, students practise kindness, understanding, and emotional safety. Suit Stories is a supportive and inclusive activity that helps create a classroom culture where feelings are acknowledged, respected, and used to build stronger peer relationships.
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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