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 - Sharks are older than trees: Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, while trees appeared around 350 million years ago.
Weekly Lessons
Head Shoulders Knee Cone
Objective:
To energise participants with a fun, fast-paced game that enhances quick thinking and agility. Perfect for warm-ups or ice-breaking sessions.
Players:
Two to 302 participants, ideal for large groups and adaptable for various settings.
Materials:
- A cone or similar grabbable item for each pair of participants.
- Optional: Five different coloured cones for each pair for the variation.
Setup:
- Pair up participants and have them stand facing each other.
- Place a cone (or the chosen item) between each pair within an easy-reaching distance.
Gameplay:
- Standard Play: The instructor calls out body parts ("head," "shoulders," "knees"), and participants must quickly touch the called body part with both hands.
- The game's pace increases progressively.
- When the instructor shouts "cone," the first player to grab the cone scores a point.
- Scoring: Play until one player reaches five points, or after each round, the winner finds a new partner while the loser performs a physical challenge (like ten squats, sit-ups, or burpees).
- Coloured Cone Variation: Instead of one cone, place five different coloured cones in a circle between the players.
- The instructor calls out a colour instead of "cone," the first to grab the corresponding coloured cone wins the round.
- This variation increases the challenge by adding colour recognition to the game's quick response element.
Winning the Game:
- In the standard version, the winner is the first to reach a set number of points or the player with the most points after a set time.
- In the coloured cone variation, points can be tallied similarly, or the game can continue with winners finding new partners for each round.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Children's Edition: Use bright, colourful cones and incorporate fun physical challenges for the losers.
- Corporate Edition: Focus on teamwork and communication, encouraging players to strategise with their partners.
- Sports Team Edition: Increase the physical challenge and competitiveness to suit athletic teams.
Additional Notes:
- Encourage a fun, lively atmosphere with cheering and positive reinforcement.
- This game is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit any group's energy level and physical ability.
- It's a great way to kick off any session, whether in a classroom, corporate team-building event, or sports training, bringing high energy and laughter.
Paddocks Gratitude
Objective:
A strategic and reflective twist on the classic game of Paddocks (Dots and Boxes). Players aim to complete squares on a grid and share gratitude responses based on dice rolls. The goal is to claim the most squares while engaging in meaningful conversations about gratitude.
Players:
Played in pairs, making it ideal for small groups or classroom settings.
Materials:
- Printed PDFs of the Paddocks game grid.
- A six-sided dice for each pair.
- Pens for drawing lines and writing initials.
Setup:
Each pair receives a Paddock's game grid and a six-sided dice.
Gameplay:
- Drawing Lines: Players take turns drawing lines between two adjacent dots (horizontal or vertical, but not diagonal).
- Completing Squares: When a player completes the fourth side of a square, they write their initial in the square and claim a point.
- Gratitude Sharing: Upon completing a square, the player rolls the dice to determine which gratitude question to respond to based on the colour of the square. They then share their gratitude response.
- Continued Play: The player who completed a square and shared a response takes another turn.
- Game End: The game ends when all squares on the grid are completed.
Winning the Game:
The player with the most completed squares at the end of the game is the winner.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Adapt the gratitude questions to focus on learning experiences or personal growth.
- Therapeutic Edition: Use the game as a tool for reflection and positive affirmation in therapeutic settings.
- Team Building Edition: Emphasise communication and shared experiences to enhance team bonding.
Additional Notes:
- Paddocks Gratitude combines strategic gameplay with the practice of sharing and reflecting on gratitude.
- It offers a fun and interactive way to encourage meaningful conversation and connection between players.
- The game's unique combination of strategy and personal reflection makes it suitable for various settings and age groups.
Ten of a Kind
Objective:
It is a dice-rolling game where individuals or teams aim to roll ten dice to land on the same number. Each roll is accompanied by a specific movement or exercise, making the game both a test of luck and a physical challenge.
Players:
Playable individually or in teams, depending on the number of dice available.
Materials:
- Ten dice for each player or team.
Setup:
Distribute ten dice to each player or team.
Gameplay:
- Initial Roll: Players roll all ten dice.
- Matching Numbers: If any dice show the same number, they are set aside.
- Exercise Challenge: Players complete a specific movement or exercise based on the roll.
- Subsequent Rolls: Continue rolling the remaining dice, setting aside those that match the chosen number, and performing the corresponding exercises.
- Winning: The first player or team to have all ten dice show the same number wins.
- Exercise List: Use the exercise list or create custom movements/exercises suitable for the group.
Winning the Game:
The first to align all ten dice on the same number is crowned the champion.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Fitness Edition: Incorporate a variety of challenging physical exercises.
- Children's Edition: Use more straightforward exercises and make the game more fun than competition.
- Customisable Edition: Adapt the game with custom exercises and rules to suit the group's interests or focus.
Additional Notes:
- Ten of a Kind is a simple yet engaging game that combines elements of luck with physical activity.
- It encourages excitement and engagement among players, with the randomness of the dice rolls adding an element of unpredictability.
- The game is versatile and can be easily adapted to different settings, age groups, and fitness levels.
Empathy I Spy
Objective:
Foster empathy and positive reinforcement in group settings by encouraging participants to observe and appreciate the positive actions of others discreetly.
Players:
Suitable for families, school groups, or workplace teams.
Materials:
- Small pieces of paper.
- Pens or markers.
- A container or bowl.
- Optional: Envelopes for confidential feedback.
Setup:
Each participant's name is written on a separate piece of paper, folded, and placed in a container for drawing.
Gameplay:
- Participants draw a name from the container, making sure not to pick their own.
- They discreetly observe the person they drew, noting positive qualities or actions.
- After a set period (a day or a week), participants share their observations.
- Feedback is given either verbally or in written form (using envelopes for privacy).
- The aim is to focus on and appreciate the positives in each other.
Winning the Game:
It is not competitive; it focuses on building empathy and positive group dynamics.
Variations for Different Settings:
- For younger participants, simplify the task to identify one positive trait.
- Introduce themed observation periods like "Kindness Week."
Additional Notes:
- Empathy I Spy is a powerful tool for creating a culture of appreciation and positivity.
- It encourages participants to look for and acknowledge the good in others, enhancing group cohesion and individual well-being.
Download the video HERE.
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