The School of Play
Student Agency & Leadership
Well-being Program
Weekly Introduction
Watch this video to start the week where we explain each activity and the top tips to make them incredible and fun.
Fun fact of the week - Some apples can float because they are 25% air: That's why they bob up and down in water.
Weekly Lessons
Dice Connection Starter
Objective:
A reflective and creative activity designed to build connections and relationships within a new group. Participants use dice rolls to select questions about themselves and express their answers creatively.
Players:
Suitable for any number of participants, each needing a dice, pen, and the provided PDF.
Materials:
- A six-sided dice for each participant.
- A pen for each participant.
- A printed copy of the provided PDF with questions divided into four categories.
Setup:
Ensure each participant has a dice, pen, and a copy of the PDF with questions.
Gameplay:
- Question Selection: Each player rolls their dice four times, once for each category on the PDF. The number rolled corresponds to a specific question in that category.
- Answering Questions: Players highlight the question associated with each of their rolls. They then spend time thoughtfully answering these four questions about themselves.
- Creative Expression: After answering, players roll the dice again to determine the form of their creative expression (drawing, story, song, poem, etc.). Alternatively, the facilitator can assign specific creative tasks.
- Sharing: Participants share their creative work with a small group, allowing everyone to learn about each other on a deeper level.
Winning the Game:
The focus is not on winning but on personal reflection, creativity, and building deeper connections within the group.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Tailor the questions to educational themes or learning goals.
- Corporate Edition: Focus on professional development or team-building questions.
- Youth Group Edition: Use age-appropriate and engaging questions for younger participants.
Additional Notes:
- This activity encourages personal reflection, creativity, and vulnerability in a safe and fun environment.
- It's an excellent tool for ice-breaking, getting to know each other, and fostering a sense of community.
- Collecting the creative outputs for a display can be a powerful reminder of the positive aspects of participants' lives and the connections formed during the activity.
Instructor PSR (Paper Scissors Rock)
Objective:
A high-energy, group-wide version of the classic game Paper Scissors Rock, led by an instructor. Participants compete against the instructor in a full-body version of the game, earning points and performing various physical activities based on the outcome of each round. The goal is to accumulate the highest score over a set time frame.
Players:
Suitable for large groups, perfect as a session starter or finisher.
Materials:
- An open space for participants to move around.
- No additional materials are needed.
Setup:
The instructor positions themself in front of the group, visible to all participants.
Gameplay:
- Full-Body PSR: Participants and the instructor play full-body paper, scissors, rock. Count down with three jumps, and on "one," everyone reveals their choice.
- Scoring: If a participant wins against the instructor, they earn two points. A tie earns one point, and a loss earns no points.
- Physical Activities: Depending on the outcome of each round, participants perform specific movements:
- Win: Hold a static position (plank, wall sit, squat hold, v-sit hold).
- Draw: Complete ten reps of an exercise (squats, sit-ups, push-ups, or burpees).
- Lose: Run a short distance (50 to 100 meters).
- Continuous Play: The next game starts once players return from their run or complete their exercises from a draw.
Winning the Game:
The player with the highest score after five minutes is declared the champion.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Children's Edition: Simplify the exercises and use shorter distances for running.
- Fitness Edition: Increase the intensity of the static holds and exercises.
- Team Building Edition: Encourage teamwork by having participants cheer on and motivate each other.
Additional Notes:
- Instructor PSR is an entertaining and active game that brings laughter and energy to any group setting.
- It's an excellent way to engage participants in physical activity while enjoying the fun competition.
- The game is versatile and can be adapted to different group sizes, ages, and fitness levels.
Area Dice Challenge
Objective:
A strategic and educational game that combines math skills with physical exercise. Two players compete to cover the most area on a game grid by rolling dice and calculating rectangular areas, followed by performing exercises based on the area covered.
Players:
Two participants per game card.
Materials:
- Two six-sided dice for each participant.
- A printed game grid (PDF).
- Two different coloured markers.
Setup:
Each player starts at opposite ends of the game grid with their dice and markers.
Gameplay:
- Rolling for Area: Players roll their dice to determine the dimensions of a rectangle they'll colour on the grid.
- Calculating Area: The numbers rolled represent the length and width of the rectangle. Players calculate the area and colour it on the grid.
- Exercise Challenge: After colouring, players roll one dice to determine an exercise, performing reps equal to the area they covered.
- Game Progression: Players continue rolling, colouring, and exercising, filling up the grid.
- Game Duration: Set a time limit or play until the grid is full.
Winning the Game:
The winner is the player who colours the largest total area on the grid.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Focus on enhancing math skills through area calculation.
- Fitness Edition: Include various exercises for a full-body workout.
- Competitive Edition: Introduce strategic elements, like blocking the opponent's moves.
Additional Notes:
- Area Dice Challenge is an engaging way to combine learning with physical activity.
- It's suitable for various ages, promoting both cognitive and physical skills.
- The game can be adapted for different skill levels and educational focuses.
Positive Reflection Battleships
Objective:
To combine the excitement of the classic Battleships game with positive interactions and personal reflections.
Players:
Two players are ideal for fostering deeper connections.
Materials:
- A printed game card (grid format) from the provided PDF.
- A pen.
- Two six-sided dice.
Setup:
Each player sketches their fleet on their grid, consisting of a four-square ship, a three-square ship, and two two-square boats.
Gameplay:
- Players take turns rolling the dice to determine grid coordinates.
- A hit on a battleship requires the attacked player to share a compliment or positive remark about the attacker.
- If a player misses, they ask their partner a reflective question based on the grid square.
- Continue until all battleships are sunk or time is up.
Winning the Game:
The player with the most hits on their opponent's fleet wins, but the focus is on positive exchanges and sharing.
Additional Notes:
Positive Reflection Battleships is a unique way to engage in meaningful dialogue, share compliments, and deepen relationships in a fun, game-like setting.
Download the video to share HERE.
.avif)
