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 - Cats have more bones than humans: An average human has 206 bones, while an average cat has about 230.
Weekly Lessons
Legs Eleven
Objective:
It is a fast-paced and fun icebreaker activity where groups of three players aim to collectively show eleven fingers, without prior communication, to score points. The game emphasises teamwork, spontaneity, and celebration.
Players:
Suitable for any number of participants, divided into groups of three.
Materials:
No materials are needed, just enough space for small groups to gather.
Setup:
Participants form groups of three and stand together, ready to play.
Gameplay:
- Countdown and Finger Display: Each group counts down "three, two, one," and on "one," every player in the group simultaneously displays a certain number of fingers using one hand.
- No Communication: Players are not allowed to communicate beforehand about how many fingers they will show.
- Scoring: The aim is for each group to show a total of eleven fingers collectively.
- Celebration: When a group successfully shows eleven fingers, they must celebrate loudly and joyfully, as if they have just won the lottery. This celebration should last at least ten seconds.
- Game Duration: Play for two minutes. At the end of the time, the group with the most successful eleven-finger displays (wins) is declared the champion.
Winning the Game:
The group with the most successful eleven-finger displays at the end of two minutes wins.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Children's Edition: Incorporate fun and exaggerated celebrations or add storytelling to each win.
- Corporate Edition: Use this game to break down barriers and encourage light-hearted interaction among team members.
- Educational Edition: Integrate basic math or probability concepts into the game.
Additional Notes:
- This game is excellent for breaking the ice and encouraging collaboration in a light-hearted and playful manner.
- Encourage groups to be creative and enthusiastic with their celebrations to enhance the fun atmosphere.
- "Legs Eleven" is a simple yet engaging game, ideal for participants of all ages, promoting quick thinking and teamwork.
Mr Squiggle Gratitude
Objective:
Inspired by the Australian children's TV show "Mr Squiggle," this creative and reflective activity encourages participants to express gratitude through imaginative drawing. Using provided sheets with random shapes and lines, players create drawings that represent their answers to gratitude-related questions.
Players:
Suitable for individuals of all ages, perfect for classroom settings, workshops, or family activities.
Materials:
- Printed sheets with pre-drawn random shapes and lines, each accompanied by a gratitude question (three different sheets provided).
- Drawing materials like pens, pencils, or markers.
Setup:
Distribute the Mr Squiggle Gratitude sheets and drawing materials to participants.
Gameplay:
- Interpretation and Drawing: Participants read the gratitude question on their sheet and use their imagination to transform the random shapes and lines into a drawing that represents their answer.
- Creative Expression: There are no limits to how the shapes can be used or interpreted, encouraging creativity and personal expression.
- Sharing and Reflecting: After completing their drawings, participants can share their artwork and the story behind it, fostering discussions about gratitude and positive experiences.
Winning the Game:
The focus is not on winning but on self-expression, sharing, and reflecting on gratitude.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Tailor the gratitude questions to educational themes or learning outcomes.
- Corporate Edition: Use the activity for team-building, with questions focused on workplace gratitude and achievements.
- Family Edition: Adapt for family bonding, encouraging members to share personal stories and grateful moments.
Additional Notes:
- Mr Squiggle Gratitude is an engaging and thoughtful activity that combines art and reflection.
- It's an excellent way to encourage individuals to think creatively about the positives in their lives.
- The game provides a unique and enjoyable approach to discussing and sharing gratitude, suitable for various settings and age groups.
Spring Carnival Racing
Objective:
A fitness challenge mimicking a race, where participants complete exercises at various stations and advance based on dice rolls. The goal is to reach the finish line, with the challenge intensified by the possibility of staying at the same station or moving back.
Players:
Suitable for groups of all sizes.
Materials:
- A six-sided dice for each participant.
- Ten stations set up in a line, each with a different exercise.
Setup:
Arrange ten stations about 10 meters apart on a track or open field.
Gameplay:
- Starting Line: All participants start at the first station.
- Exercise and Roll: Complete the exercise at the station and then roll the dice.
- Rolling a 6: Move ahead two stations
- Rolling a 4 or 5: Move to the next station.
- Rolling a 2 or 3: Stay at the current station.
- Rolling a 1: Move back a station
- Progression: Participants work their way along the track, facing increasingly challenging exercises.
- Finish Line: The aim is to reach the end of the track.
Modifications:
- Vary race lengths and exercises to mimic different types of races.
- Introduce 'betting' elements where participants predict winners, with penalties for incorrect guesses.
Winning the Game:
The first participant to reach the final station wins. Fitness levels and luck with dice rolls both play a role in determining the winner.
Additional Notes:
- Spring Carnival Racing is an engaging way to combine physical activity with the excitement of racing.
- The game encourages endurance, fitness, and a bit of luck, making it fun and unpredictable.
- It's adaptable for various fitness levels and can be customised with different exercises at each station.
Looking Back Looking Forward
Objective:
Encourage participants to reflect on their past achievements and set goals for the future, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Players:
It is suitable for individuals of all ages and can be done privately or in small groups.
Materials:
- Printed copy of the provided PDF.
- A pen for each participant.
Setup:
Ensure each participant has a copy of the PDF and a pen.
Gameplay:
- Participants answer reflective questions about their past year's achievements and qualities they appreciate about themselves.
- They also set personal goals for the coming year.
- The activity can be completed individually with an option to share responses in a group setting.
Winning the Game:
Focus on personal growth and self-discovery rather than competition.
Variations:
- Adapt the questions to suit different age groups or specific focus areas.
- Incorporate group discussions to foster community and shared learning.
Additional Notes:
Looking Back, Looking Forward is a reflective activity that promotes goal-setting and gratitude, aiding participants in acknowledging their strengths and aspirations.
Download the video to share HERE.
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