The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 16 combines fast-paced, non-verbal number play, pride-building celebrations, high-energy team tag, and kindness reflections. Open with Legs 11: trios count down “3–2–1 show!” and flash 0–5 fingers (no repeats, no pre-talk) to hit 11, then erupt in 10 seconds of joyful celebration; for Levels F–3, allow a quick strategising pause after misses to build number sense. Shift to Proud Star Wall: Students write/draw one proud moment on a star and add it to a shared display. Then, do brief share-outs to normalise effort, growth, and peer praise. Fire up the room with Head Butt Tag: split into Heads (hand on head) and Butts/Tails (hand on bottom); tag gently with the free hand and switch teams when tagged, keep movement safe (walk/jog indoors), rotate durations, and spotlight teamwork over winning. Close with Well-being Skittles: each colour prompts a short kindness story; finish with a one-thing commitment.
Preparation is minimal (paper stars + pens, a deck of cards or colour chart for Skittles/tokens, cones only if outdoors). Accessibility stays central: offer number cards/AAC or tapping for Legs 11; mirror adapted celebrations; ensure wide paths and seated/upper-body options for Tag; place the Star Wall at eye level for all; use non-food coloured tokens if allergies; provide visuals/sentence starters and extra processing time throughout; “pass” is always okay. Expect gains in non-verbal teamwork and mental maths, pride in language and classroom belonging, safe spatial awareness and cooperation, plus practical empathy, wrapped in cheers, choice, and inclusive participation.
Weekly Lessons
Legs 11
Legs 11 is a fast, energetic, and joy-filled group game where students work in teams of three to show a total of 11 fingers without talking. The game encourages teamwork, quick decision-making, mental maths, and non-verbal communication as students silently choose a number between 0–5 and reveal it at the same time. Whether students are simply participating for fun (Levels A–D) or using strategy and number sense to guide their choices (Levels F–3), the game strengthens cooperation, attention, and spontaneous problem-solving in a playful and supportive way. Every round invites students to reset quickly, try again, celebrate each win, and embrace the joy of group success.
The heart of Legs 11 is connection. Students cheer, laugh, and celebrate together with big, fun reactions whenever they reach the magic number, creating a positive classroom atmosphere built on encouragement and inclusion. The game supports all learners by allowing different ways to show numbers (fingers, number cards, tapping, AAC), ensuring every student can take part. Whether students are practising simple participation skills or discussing strategies to improve their accuracy, the activity reinforces teamwork, kindness, and confidence, all through a two-minute burst of high-energy, collaborative play.
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
Proud Star Wall
The Proud Star Wall is a simple, joyful way to help students recognise what they are proud of and celebrate achievements together. Each student writes or draws a proud moment on a star, something big or small that makes them feel good about themselves, such as helping a friend, learning something new, or trying their best. These stars are placed on a shared wall or display space, creating a colourful, visual celebration of growth, effort, and success. Students can express their achievements in any form: writing, drawing, symbols, stickers, or spoken words, making the activity fully accessible to all learners.
Once the stars are added, students share their moments with the class, clap for each other, and acknowledge the hard work and kindness their classmates have shown. The Proud Star Wall becomes a living reminder of confidence, progress, and community, helping students feel valued and connected. Whether completed weekly, individually, in pairs, or as a whole class, the activity strengthens self-esteem, encourages empathy, and builds a positive environment where every achievement is celebrated equally.
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
Head Butt Tag
Head Butt Tag is a fast, funny, and high-energy chase game that builds teamwork, safe movement skills, and quick reactions. Students split into two teams, Heads and Butts, and must keep one hand on their head or bottom while tagging with the other. As players move around the space, they practise agility, spatial awareness, and safe tagging. Every tag triggers a team swap, keeping the game unpredictable, inclusive, and full of laughter. Students quickly learn to adapt, change direction, and play safely while staying aware of their peers.
Beyond movement, the game strengthens connection and communication as students cooperate with their team, celebrate moments of success, and respond respectfully when tagged. The constant switching helps reduce competitiveness and keeps everyone involved, while reflection questions encourage students to think about teamwork, strategy, and safe play. Whether indoors or outdoors, with younger or older learners, Head Butt Tag is an engaging way to energise a group, build social bonds, and teach the importance of moving safely and kindly 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
Well-being Skittles
Well-being Skittles is a joyful, reflective activity designed to help students explore kindness, gratitude, and positive communication in a simple and engaging way. Using Skittles (or coloured tokens), students share personal stories connected to each colour, moments when they experienced kindness, times they helped others, or ways they plan to show kindness in the future. The game opens the door for meaningful conversations, allowing students to recall real experiences, practise empathy, and recognise the impact that small acts of kindness can have on themselves and those around them. With options to speak, draw, or gesture, students participate in a way that feels comfortable, creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone to contribute.
As students take turns responding to their colours, they listen carefully, celebrate each other’s stories, and learn how everyday kindness can ripple through a class community. The game finishes with a shared commitment, each student choosing one act of kindness they will practise next. Whether played in a whole class, small group, or family setting, Well-being Skittles strengthens emotional awareness, connection, and a sense of belonging, reminding students that kindness is a powerful skill they can use every single day.
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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