The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 6 blends rhythm, reflection, and expressive play. You’ll open with One, Two, Three, a partner sequence that swaps numbers for actions (clap, nod, arms up) to sharpen coordination, timing, and shared focus. Expect quick practice rounds, lots of laughter, and easy scaffolds for Levels A–D and F–3 (visual cue cards, slower pacing, or two-action versions), with wheelchair-friendly swaps (upper-body movements, shoulder shrugs, overhead claps). Then shift into Happy Thoughts Journal, where students capture a positive moment from today and set a simple intention for tomorrow using words, drawings, symbols, or AAC, building gratitude language, confidence, and calm.
Re-energise with Shape Stretch, moving from teacher-led poses to pair/group creations so students explore balance, body awareness, and creativity (with seated/upper-body options and visual shape prompts for easy access). Close with Feelings Card Sort, a playful card-prompt activity that links common emotions to stories, actions, or drawings and celebrates every contribution. Educators can expect minimal setup, non-eliminating play, multiple response modes, and clear visual supports. Look for growth in rhythm and coordination, turn-taking, expressive vocabulary, self-regulation, perspective-taking, and warm peer encouragement, setting a steady platform for Week 7.
Weekly Lessons
One, Two, Three
One, Two, Three is a simple, joyful rhythm game that helps students build movement skills, focus, and social connection. Played in pairs, students replace the numbers “one, two, three” with actions, clap, nod, and arms up, gradually building an engaging sequence that encourages attention, coordination, and teamwork. Students work together to keep the rhythm, copy each other’s movements, and celebrate the fun of matching actions at the same time. The game is flexible and works beautifully for both Levels A & D and Levels F–3, with clear modelling, visual action cards, and seated or standing play options.
The activity can be adapted easily: simplify the sequence, add a fitness twist, or support students with visuals, gestures, or upper-body-only actions. No matter the level, the focus stays on fun, connection, and celebrating effort rather than perfect accuracy. After watching the short demonstration video, select the version suited to your group and download the full printable. A playful rhythm challenge that strengthens coordination, focus, and peer connection, three beats 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
Happy Thoughts Journal
Happy Thoughts Journal is a calming, reflective activity designed to help students notice, record, and celebrate the positive moments in their day. Through simple drawings, words, symbols, or AAC-supported responses, students identify something that made them feel good, reflect on how it felt, and set an intention for a future happy moment. The activity builds foundational skills in gratitude, emotional awareness, and self-expression. Students learn that small moments, playing with a friend, enjoying a favourite activity, hearing a kind word, are worth remembering and sharing. It creates space for connection, confidence, and joy in a gentle, supported way.
Suitable for both Levels A & D and Levels F–3, Happy Thoughts Journal offers flexible options for all learners: writing, drawing, pointing, stickers, storytelling, or using visuals. It can be done individually, with a partner, or shared as a class celebration through a “Wall of Happy Thoughts.” After watching the short demonstration video, choose the version that matches your learners and download the full printable. A simple, uplifting activity that nurtures gratitude, self-awareness, and classroom positivity, one happy moment 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
Shape Stretch
Shape Stretch is a playful, movement-based activity that helps students explore how their bodies can make shapes, big and small. Through copying teacher-led poses, creating their own shapes, and working with partners or groups, students build body awareness, balance, coordination, and confidence. The activity encourages creativity and imagination as students turn themselves into circles, triangles, stars, lines, and even letters or numbers. It also strengthens social connection, as students smile, experiment, and collaborate to form larger shapes together. Shape Stretch is fully inclusive, offering seated variations and visual supports so every learner can join in successfully.
Suitable for Levels A & D and Levels F–3, this energising activity can be used as a warm-up, movement break, or creative body-awareness session. It promotes fun, expression, spatial awareness, and teamwork in a supportive environment where all efforts are celebrated. After watching the short demonstration video, choose the version that fits your learners and download the full printable. A simple, imaginative, and inclusive way to build confidence, creativity, and coordination, one shape 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
Feelings Card Sort
Feelings Card Sort is a simple, engaging activity that helps students explore, name, and express emotions in a playful and supported way. By linking playing cards to feelings such as happy, sad, excited, and calm, students practise emotional vocabulary while safely sharing experiences, acting out feelings, or pointing to visuals. The game builds confidence, emotional awareness, and social connection. Students learn that feelings come in many forms and that it’s okay for everyone to experience emotions differently. With opportunities to share, act, draw, or gesture, every child can participate in the way that feels best for them.
Perfect for Levels A & D and Levels F–3, Feelings Card Sort encourages listening, empathy, and respectful communication. It is flexible enough for whole-class play, small groups, or pairs, and can be adapted with picture cards, movement options, or teamwork variations. After watching the short demonstration video, choose the appropriate version for your learners and download the full printable. A warm, inclusive activity that helps students build emotional language, confidence, and connection, one card 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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