The School of Play Curriculum
Special Education
Week 20 layers quick-fire partner reactions, strength-focused reflection, memory and movement, and brave sharing. Open with Big Body Snap: pairs jump through five stances on a 2-second beat (“jump!”)…when both land the same way, first to call “snap” tags for a point; rotate at 5, keep cues loud/clear, and model each stance first (offer fitness add-ons or outdoor space for bigger energy; swap to five arm shapes for seated/wheelchair play). Shift to My Strengths & Challenges: Students draw/write one strength and one challenge, then link how the strength helps address the challenge (superpower framing works great). Share in pairs or keep private to anchor a growth mindset. Turn the dial up with Card Memory Lane: teams sprint/wheel to a card table and collect one suit in order, from Ace to King, relying on memory plus quick relays (optional static holds are available for those waiting; scale to Ace, 5 for juniors; emphasise calm communication and strategy). Close with Vulnerability Wall of Failures: roll a die to pick a prompt, write/draw a short story of a setback + learning, share, and post to a class “Wall of Learning.”
Preparation is minimal (open space, deck of cards, cones/spots, sticky notes, pencils). Accessibility stays front and centre: visual stance cards, AAC/gesture options, upper-body or rolling alternatives, clear lanes and eye-level displays, buddy support, extra processing time, and a safe “pass” anytime. Expect gains in coordination/reaction and partner communication; self-awareness and resilient self-talk; working memory, strategy, and stamina; and a healthier class culture around mistakes and growth.
Weekly Lessons
Big Body Snap
Big Body Snap is a fast, high-energy partner game that builds coordination, balance, focus, and teamwork through playful movement. Students jump into different foot positions every two seconds while calling out “jump” together, creating rhythm, connection, and shared anticipation. When both partners land in the same position, the race begins, who can shout “snap!” first and tag their partner? This simple mechanic sparks laughter, sharpens attention, and encourages students to notice their bodies, react quickly, and work cooperatively with a partner. Younger learners, older students, and mixed-ability groups can all participate, with adaptations for wheelchair users through expressive arm movements that mirror the foot positions.
Across all year levels, the game promotes communication, confidence, and positive peer interaction. Students practise turn-taking, celebrate each other’s successes, and build social bonds through repeated partner rotations. Whether used as a warm-up, brain break, or PE energiser, Big Body Snap boosts physical engagement while emphasising fun, encouragement, and connection over competition. With its simple setup, no equipment requirements, and inclusive modifications, this game becomes an accessible, joyful way for students to move their bodies, focus their minds, and share moments of teamwork and excitement.
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
My Strengths and Challenges
My Strengths and Challenges is a reflective, confidence-building activity that helps students recognise what they are good at while safely acknowledging the areas they find tricky. Through simple drawing or writing tasks, students identify one personal strength, something they feel proud of or capable in, and one challenge they are working on. Whether students express themselves through pictures, words, gestures, or discussion, the activity emphasises that everyone has both strengths and challenges, and both are important parts of learning and growing.
Once students have named their strength and challenge, they explore how their strengths can become tools to help overcome difficulties. This gentle linking builds resilience, emotional awareness, and problem-solving skills by helping students notice that they already possess qualities and abilities that can support them. The activity ends with optional sharing and reflection, reinforcing self-belief, celebrating uniqueness, and nurturing a growth mindset where effort, honesty, and personal progress are valued over comparison.
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
Card Memory Lane
Card Memory Lane is an exciting blend of memory challenge, physical movement, and teamwork. Students work in pairs or small teams to locate playing cards placed face down across the play space, remembering each card’s position while running back and forth to collect them in order from Ace to King. The activity keeps students engaged both mentally and physically as they flip cards, recall patterns, communicate discoveries, and complete optional static holds such as planks or balances. With every turn, students practise focus, strategic thinking, and persistence while building fitness and enjoying the thrill of active learning.
Teamwork sits at the heart of the game, as students must listen, communicate, and share information to help their group succeed. Whether they are remembering card positions, cheering for teammates, or planning the next step, students build cooperation and trust in a fun and energetic environment. The challenge of combining movement with memory helps strengthen cognitive skills while promoting confidence and collaboration. No matter the age level, Card Memory Lane empowers students to work together, stay active, and celebrate effort, strategy, and shared achievement.
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
Vulnerability Wall of Learning
The Vulnerability Wall of Failures is a powerful reflection activity that helps students understand that mistakes and challenges are a natural and valuable part of learning. Students are invited to think about a time when something didn’t go the way they hoped, whether it was struggling with a task, taking a risk that didn’t work out, or facing a setback. Through writing or drawing their experiences on sticky notes, students practise being open, honest, and vulnerable in a safe and supportive environment. The activity helps normalise mistakes by reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, courage, and self-awareness.
Once students have created their reflection, they share their story with the group or a partner before adding it to a collective display, The Vulnerability Wall (or “Wall of Learning”). This visual wall becomes a celebration of bravery, persistence, and resilience rather than a record of errors. Students learn to listen empathetically, encourage each other, and recognise the strength it takes to share openly. Across both age levels, the activity develops trust, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset by highlighting that everyone has challenges, everyone can learn from them, and that vulnerability is a superpower that helps us connect, grow, and support one another.
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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