The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 9 spotlights imitation, voice, and leadership in a calm–playful rhythm. You’ll launch with Copy Cat Moves, a quick whole-group warm-up where students copy a teacher or peer, then rotate leaders to practise attention, turn-taking, and confidence (easy prompts, visual cards, and upper-body options keep it accessible for all learners and wheelchair users). Shift into Compliment Time, a gentle SEL block where learners notice something specific and kind about a peer and share it by speaking, drawing, pointing, or using AAC, growing empathy, prosocial language, and the feel-good loop of giving and receiving appreciation.
Re-energise with Follow the Leader Parade, inviting imaginative, low-stakes leadership as students guide the group with creative moves (seated or standing), before closing with Master Chef Group Gratitude. In this joyful reflection, everyone “cooks” a playful Gratitude Recipe from people and moments they value, then shares it for class celebration. Educators can expect minimal setup, non-eliminating play, and clear scaffolds for Levels A–D and F–3 (visuals, modelling, extra processing time). Watch for growth in sustained attention and imitation, turn-taking and leadership confidence, specific compliment language, and deeper gratitude and peer connection, sending students into Week 10 feeling seen, valued, and proud.
Weekly Lessons
Copy Cat Moves
Copy Cat Moves is a joyful, high-engagement movement activity that strengthens focus, turn-taking, and social connection. Students watch carefully, copy simple actions, and take turns leading the group, building confidence, coordination, and awareness of others in just a few minutes. Designed for Levels A & D and Levels F–3, the game is simple, inclusive, and fully adaptable. Whether students are clapping, waving, stomping, stretching, or creating imaginative animal actions, every child gets a chance to shine as both a leader and a “copy cat.”
This activity works beautifully as a warm-up energiser, a movement break, or a quick connection booster. It encourages students to celebrate each other, laugh together, and build classroom community through playful imitation. After watching the demonstration video, select your student level and download the complete printable version. A fast, fun, inclusive activity that builds confidence, focus, and connection, one copied move at a time.
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
Compliment Time
Compliment Time is a warm, connection-building activity that teaches students how to recognise the good in others and express it through simple, genuine compliments. Students write, draw, or share kind words with classmates, friends, or family members, building confidence, empathy, and positive communication. Designed for Levels A & D and Levels F–3, this activity helps students notice positive actions and qualities, understand the power of kind words, and feel the joy that comes from lifting others up. Whether students share compliments verbally, through drawings, or with the support of visual cards or assistive technology, everyone can meaningfully participate.
Perfect as a daily well-being routine, a kindness lesson, or a social–emotional warm-up, Compliment Time strengthens relationships, boosts classroom morale, and nurtures a culture of appreciation. After watching the video demonstration, choose your student level and download the ready-to-print activity. A simple, heartfelt activity that spreads kindness, builds confidence, and helps every student feel seen and valued.
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
Follow the Leader Parade
Follow the Leader Parade is an energetic, imaginative movement game where students copy the leader’s actions and take turns guiding the group. Designed for Levels A & D and Levels F–3, this playful parade builds confidence, coordination, and creativity as students practise both following and leading. Students explore fun movements, hopping, tiptoeing, waving, spinning, marching, while developing turn-taking skills and social connection. Every child gets the chance to lead, helping them experience the joy and responsibility of guiding others in a supportive environment.
Whether played in a classroom, gym, or outdoor space, this activity strengthens confidence, encourages expressive movement, and builds group connection through shared fun. After watching the video demonstration, choose your student level and download the ready-to-print activity. A joyful, imaginative parade that boosts leadership, confidence, and classroom connection.
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
Master Chef Group Gratitude
Master Chef Group Gratitude is a creative, reflective activity where students use imagination and play to express gratitude. Inspired by the fun and excitement of a cooking competition, students “cook up” their own Gratitude Recipe by reflecting on the important people in their lives and the moments that make them feel supported, cared for, and happy.
Students explore gratitude through drawing, storytelling, and playful recipe-building, strengthening their ability to notice kindness, appreciate others, and share positive reflections with peers. The activity helps build empathy, social connection, and a supportive classroom culture, all through creativity and fun. After watching the demonstration, choose the level that fits your learners and download the ready-to-use activity. A joyful, imaginative gratitude activity that builds connection, creativity, and kindness, one recipe at a time.
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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