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 - Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren't: In botanical terms, a berry is a fruit with seeds on the inside, which makes bananas true berries, but strawberries are not because their seeds are on the outside.
Weekly Lessons
Happy Face Mean Face
Objective:
Start a session with laughter, energy, and excitement while promoting quick thinking and coordination.
Players:
Pairs of participants, suitable for participants of all ages.
Materials:
No materials are required for this game.
Setup:
Pairs of participants stand facing each other, ready to play the game.
Gameplay:
The game consists of two versions: the Classic Version and the Fitness Version. In both versions, participants face off against their partner, aiming to match their facial expressions while performing physical actions.
Classic Version:
- Before the game starts, all participants count down from 3, 2, 1, and then create a funny face for the entire group. Next, they create an angry look for the group.
- Pair participants up and stand back to back.
- The game begins with pairs counting down together, saying, "3, 2, 1, jump."
- On "jump," both players jump and complete a 180-degree spin in the air.
- While in mid-air, each player must choose to perform either a happy face or a mean face.
- If both players show the same facial expression when they land, the first player to tag the other player on the arm gets a point for that round.
- If both players perform different facial expressions, they spin around and start again.
- Play the best of five rounds, and then have participants find a new partner and repeat the game.
Fitness Version:
- In this version, instead of standing back to back, pairs get into a plank position facing away from each other, with their feet just about touching.
- Participants count down together, saying, "3, 2, 1," and on each count, they perform a push-up.
- On "jump," they perform a burpee with a 180-degree squat jump.
- While in mid-air, each player must choose to perform either a happy face or a mean face.
- If both players show the same facial expression when they land, they try to tag each other if they can while still in the plank position.
- Players who successfully tag their partner get a point for that round.
- If both players perform different facial expressions, they repeat the sequence.
- Play the best of five rounds, and then have participants find a new partner and repeat the game.
Both versions of the game work well for participants of all ages and create laughter, energy, and excitement, making them ideal for starting any session or activity on a positive note.
Roll Emoji Reflection Bingo
Objective:
A pair activity designed for self-reflection and sharing, using emojis as prompts for discussing past experiences and emotions. The goal is to create a line of five marked squares in a row on the bingo grid by rolling dice and sharing reflections.
Players:
Played in pairs, making it ideal for a range of group sizes by having multiple pairs play simultaneously.
Materials:
- A printed PDF sheet with an emoji bingo grid for each pair.
- Two six-sided dice per pair.
- A writing instrument for marking the grid.
Setup:
Each team receives an emoji reflection bingo sheet, two dice, and a pen or marker.
Gameplay:
- Rolling Dice: Players take turns rolling both dice. The number on the first die corresponds to the vertical side of the grid, and the second die to the horizontal side.
- Emoji Reflection: The intersection of the numbers rolled reveals an emoji. The player reflects on a time in the past six months when they felt an emotion represented by this emoji and shares the experience with their partner.
- Marking the Grid: After sharing, the player marks the grid square with their initials.
- Game Continuation: The game passes to the next player. The player loses their turn if a roll leads to an already marked square.
- Objective: The first player to create a line of five marked squares (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins.
Winning the Game:
The first player to form a line of five initials in a row on the bingo grid wins.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Use this game to encourage emotional intelligence and empathy among students.
- Corporate Edition: Tailor the game to focus on professional experiences and team dynamics.
- Therapeutic Edition: Utilise the game in a therapeutic setting to facilitate discussions about feelings and experiences.
Additional Notes:
- Roll Emoji Reflection Bingo encourages open conversation and emotional exploration in a non-threatening way.
- It's a unique activity that allows participants to interpret emojis based on personal experiences, promoting understanding and empathy.
- The game is suitable for participants of all ages, offering a meaningful yet enjoyable way to engage in emotional reflection.
Hoppo Boppo
Objective:
Hoppo Boppo is an outdoor physical activity game focusing on balance and strength. Played in pairs, the goal is to remain squatting while trying to gently push the partner off balance using only the hands.
Players:
Two players per pair, suitable for a group of any size.
Materials:
No materials are needed, just an open space for safe movement.
Setup:
Players pair up and face each other, squatting, hands outstretched with palms facing forward.
Gameplay:
- On the call of "GO," partners attempt to gently push each other's hands, aiming to make the other stand up or lose balance.
- The person who stays squatting wins the round.
- Pairs play three rounds, and then players can choose new partners for additional rounds.
- A fun challenge can be added: undefeated players get to challenge the teacher.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Children's Edition: Ensure the game is played gently to avoid any roughness.
- Competitive Edition: Introduce a tournament-style setup where winners face off against each other.
- Inclusive Edition: Adapt the game for varying physical abilities, allowing for different stances or support if needed.
Additional Notes:
- Hoppo Boppo is a fun way to encourage physical activity, focusing on lower body strength and balance.
- It's an engaging game for developing coordination and friendly competition.
- The game is adaptable and can be played in any open outdoor space, making it a versatile choice for different settings.
Breakfast Gratitude Game
Objective:
A positive and reflective way to start the day, this game involves sharing gratitude and intentions over breakfast. Participants roll a dice to determine which gratitude-themed question they will answer, encouraging a positive mindset and fostering connections with others.
Players:
Individuals, families, or any group sharing a breakfast setting.
Materials:
- A six-sided dice.
- Post-it notes (optional, for a gratitude wall).
Setup:
Each participant has a die at the breakfast table. Prepare six different gratitude-themed questions.
Gameplay:
- Participants take turns rolling the dice.
- The number rolled corresponds to a specific gratitude question.
- Each person shares their answer to the question with others at the table.
- Optionally, write the answer on a post-it note and add it to a 'gratitude wall'.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Solo Edition: Play alone, reflecting on personal gratitude.
- Family Edition: Encourage family members to share and listen to each other's responses.
- Community Edition: Adapt for group settings like classrooms or team meetings.
Additional Notes:
- The Breakfast Gratitude Game is a simple yet effective way to cultivate a positive outlook and strengthen interpersonal connections.
- It can be easily adapted for different age groups and settings.
- The game enhances mood and encourages mindful reflection and appreciation for daily life.
Video link to download HERE.
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