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 - Kangaroos can't walk backwards: Their muscular tail and the shape of their body prevent them from stepping backwards.
Weekly Lessons
Buzz - Three or More
Objective:
A cooperative counting game where players work together to count as high as possible while adhering to the 'buzz' rules. The game encourages teamwork, quick thinking, and concentration.
Players:
Played in groups of three or more, adaptable to larger groups with adjusted rules.
Materials:
No materials are required, just enough space for participants to form a circle or triangle.
Setup:
Participants form a triangle (or circle for more than three players) and face each other.
Gameplay for Three Players:
- Starting Position: All players begin in a squat hold position.
- Counting Rules: Players take turns to count upwards. However, they must skip multiples of four and numbers containing four (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 14, and 34). Instead of saying these numbers, players stand up and say "buzz."
- Mistakes: If a player says the wrong number, misses a 'buzz', or stands up at the wrong time, the count restarts.
- Goal: The aim is to reach 40 without mistakes, as numbers in the forties always contain a four.
Adaptations for More Players:
- Four Players: Use multiples of five and numbers with five.
- Five Players: Use multiples of six and numbers with six, and so on, adjusting the 'buzz' numbers according to the number of players.
Advanced Play:
Replace "buzz" with categories like countries, foods, sports, etc. Players must quickly name an item from the category instead of saying "buzz" without repeating items.
Winning the Game:
There are no winners or losers. The goal is to work together to reach the highest number possible, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Children's Edition: Use more straightforward rules or fun categories suitable for children.
- Educational Edition: Incorporate educational elements, like math or geography categories.
- Team-Building Edition: Focus on communication and strategy to improve team dynamics.
Additional Notes:
- "Buzz - Three or More" is a game that brings smiles, laughter, and connection as players collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- It's a great game for breaking the ice, energising a group, or as a fun educational tool.
- The game can be easily adapted for different group sizes and settings, making it versatile and enjoyable for all ages.
Dice Combos
Objective:
A partner-based game combining fitness challenges with strategic dice rolling. Teams aim to complete a series of exercises by rolling dice and accumulating points, with the goal of achieving the highest score within a ten-minute timeframe.
Players:
Played in pairs, suitable for any group size.
Materials:
- A six-sided dice for each player.
- A score sheet and pen for each pair.
- Exercise cards with corresponding points for different dice combinations.
Setup:
Distribute a dice, score sheet, and exercise cards to each pair.
Gameplay:
- Static Holds: Pairs start in a static hold position, rotating between different holds as they play.
- Rolling for Order: Teams aim to roll the dice to get numbers 1 through 6 in sequence, marking each number off their scorecard as they go.
- Point Station: Once a team completes the sequence to 6, they run 50 meters to the points station.
- Exercise and Scoring: At the point's station, teams roll both dice to get a two-digit number, then complete the corresponding exercise for points. The number of reps equals the combined dice total, split between the two players.
- Strategy: Pairs must decide whether to aim for higher reps (and more points) or lower reps for quicker completion.
Winning the Game:
The pair with the most points wins at the end of the ten minutes.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Fitness Edition: Adjust the difficulty and type of exercises to match fitness levels.
- Children's Edition: Use more straightforward exercises and shorter durations to keep it fun and engaging.
- Team Building Edition: Focus on communication and cooperation, with pairs strategising to maximise their points.
Additional Notes:
- Dice Combos is a dynamic and engaging game that encourages teamwork, physical activity, and strategic thinking.
- The combination of fitness challenges and dice rolling adds a unique and fun element to the workout.
- It's adaptable to different settings and can be modified for varying levels of physical ability.
Card Toss Up
Objective:
In this game, players or teams toss playing cards in the air and calculate the score based on the face-up cards. The goal is to accumulate the highest total score within ten minutes by performing exercises associated with each card.
Players:
Individual players or teams, each with a deck of playing cards.
Materials:
- A deck of playing cards for each player or team.
Setup:
Each player or team has their deck of cards ready for play.
Gameplay:
- Card Toss: Players toss three cards in the air.
- Scoring: Add up the value of cards that land face-up. Cards face-down are not counted. Use specific values for face cards and aces.
- Exercise Challenge: Perform exercises based on the suit of the face-up cards (e.g., Hearts for squats, Diamonds for sit-ups, etc.).
- Point Addition: Add the total value of face-up cards to the team's score.
- Continuous Play: Keep playing, tossing cards, and accumulating points over ten minutes.
Winning the Game:
The player or team with the highest score at the end of ten minutes wins.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Fitness Edition: Focus on a variety of challenging exercises for the different suits.
- Children's Edition: Use more straightforward exercises and make the card values easier to add.
- Competitive Edition: Introduce more strategic elements like choosing which cards to toss.
Additional Notes:
- Card Toss Up is a fun blend of luck, fitness, and quick math skills.
- It encourages physical activity in a playful and competitive environment.
- The game is adaptable for various group sizes and fitness levels and can be modified to suit different settings.
Well-being Skittles
Objective:
To promote kindness and empathy through sharing personal stories and thoughts linked to the colours of Skittles or M&Ms.
Players:
Suitable for all ages, ideal for group settings.
Materials:
- A bag of Skittles or M&Ms.
- A bowl for distribution.
Setup:
Place the Skittles or M&Ms in a bowl for players to draw from.
Gameplay:
- Each player takes 1-3 Skittles/M&Ms of different colors.
- Players share stories or thoughts based on the colour of their candy:
- Red: A time when kindness made them feel loved.
- Orange: Reflecting on helping someone.
- Yellow: Observing an act of kindness.
- Green: Being kind in the face of unkindness.
- Purple/Brown: Planning a future act of kindness.
- After sharing, players can eat their candy.
- The game continues until all colours have been discussed by each player.
Winning the Game:
The focus is on fostering kindness and empathy rather than on winning.
Variations:
- Use stickers or tokens for those who prefer not to eat candy.
- Adapt themes to suit different group dynamics or settings.
Additional Notes:
Well-being Skittles: Kindness Game is a thoughtful way to encourage discussions about kindness, with each colour sparking a different aspect of compassionate behaviour.
Download the video to share HERE.
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