The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 10 leans into rhythm, colour, and joyful connection. You’ll kick off with Clapping, One, Two, Three, a fast, whole-class pulse-maker that builds listening, sequencing, and coordination as students copy number-linked claps/taps and try simple sequences (with easy pace changes and student-led rounds). From there, shift into Gratitude Rainbow, a calm, creative reflection where each colour becomes a prompt for something students are thankful for, such as family, friends, favourite activities, nature, school, or memories, captured through words, drawings, or symbols. Expect clear, low-lift scaffolds for Levels A–D and F–3 (number cards, colour prompts, sentence starters), plus wheelchair-friendly swaps (tapping chair sides/table, overhead claps), and plenty of choice in how students participate.
Re-energise with a quick Treasure Hunt, where learners follow simple cues, search with purpose, and return “finds” for a shared celebration. This activity is great for attention, persistence, and independence, and can be tailored with bright objects, accessible placements, and optional movement tweaks. Close with Wellness Guess Who, a warm, social gratitude game where students pop anonymous notes in a “hat,” then listen, guess, reveal, and share short stories, growing empathy, voice, and classroom belonging. Educators can expect minimal setup, non-eliminating play, multiple modes of response, and embedded inclusion across activities. Look for gains in steady group rhythm and focus, sequencing and leadership, problem-solving and teamwork, and richer gratitude language, ending the week connected, confident, and upbeat.
Weekly Lessons
Clapping, One, Two, Three
Clapping, One, Two, Three is a fun, rhythmic group activity that gets students moving, listening, and working together. Through simple clapping and tapping patterns linked to the numbers one, two, and three, students build coordination, focus, and turn-taking skills in a playful and inclusive way. The game encourages students to watch carefully, move together as a group, and enjoy the challenge of keeping rhythm while following the teacher or a student leader.
With options to slow it down, speed it up, add sequences, or introduce student leadership, this activity supports learners of all abilities and promotes connection, confidence, and engagement through shared rhythm and movement. After watching the demonstration, choose the level that suits your students and download the ready-to-use activity. A joyful rhythm game that strengthens coordination, attention, and teamwork, one clap 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
Gratitude Rainbow
Gratitude Rainbow is a bright, creative reflection activity that helps students pause, notice, and appreciate the positive things in their lives. By linking each colour of the rainbow to a different gratitude prompt, students explore meaningful aspects of their world, family, friends, favourite activities, nature, school, and special memories, through drawing, colouring, and simple writing.
This activity encourages students to slow down, think about what brings them joy, and express it in a visual and personal way. It promotes emotional awareness, creativity, and a positive mindset, while nurturing a sense of appreciation for the people and experiences that support and uplift them. Once complete, students can share their rainbows with peers or display them as part of a collective classroom “gratitude gallery,” building connection and celebrating the unique things each learner is thankful for. A colourful, uplifting activity that supports gratitude, creativity, and emotional well-being, one rainbow 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
Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt is an energetic, curiosity-driven activity that gets students moving with purpose while building focus, confidence, and listening skills. As students search for brightly coloured “treasures” hidden around the room or outdoor space, they practise following instructions, recognising objects, and persisting until they find what they’re looking for.
The game is simple, fast, and highly engaging, students love the excitement of hunting for items and feel proud when they return with a treasure in hand. Whether played individually or in small teams, the activity builds independence, problem-solving, and celebration of effort. Teachers can easily tailor the challenge by changing where treasures are hidden, adding themes, or incorporating movement tasks. A joyful, movement-based game that strengthens attention, confidence, and exploration, one treasure 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
Wellness Guess Who
Wellness Guess Who is a heart-warming gratitude game that helps students reflect on positive moments in their lives while strengthening empathy, listening, and classroom connection. Students write or draw a happy memory or something they are grateful for, place it anonymously in a jar, and then work together to guess who each memory belongs to. As the author reveals themselves and shares a little more about their moment, the class learns new things about one another, celebrates kindness, and builds stronger relationships.
The activity blends gratitude, storytelling, and social play in a simple, inclusive format. It encourages thoughtful reflection, boosts confidence in sharing, and supports communication skills at all levels. Whether played in class, at home, or in small groups, Wellness Guess Who creates a warm, positive atmosphere where students feel valued, heard, and connected. A gentle, meaningful game that nurtures gratitude, empathy, and understanding, one shared memory 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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