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 - A group of flamingos is called a "Flamboyance": These pink birds group together in large numbers and their collective noun reflects their showy feathers.
Weekly Lessons
Walk, Stop, Name, Clap, Jump, Dance
Objective:
Create a fun and engaging icebreaker game that promotes connection and laughter among participants of all group sizes.
Players:
Four or more players, suitable for small to large groups, classes, sessions, or keynotes.
Materials:
No materials are required for this game.
Setup:
All participants stand together in an open space.
Gameplay:
The instructor will call out different commands, and participants must quickly react and perform the corresponding action based on the level.
Level One:
- "Walk" - Players walk.
- "Stop" - Players stop.
Level Two:
- "Walk" now means "Stop."
- "Stop" now means "Walk."
Level Three:
- "Clap" - Players clap their hands once.
- "Name" - Players say their name out loud.
- "Walk" now means "Stop."
- "Stop" now means "Walk."
Level Four:
- "Clap" - Players say their name out loud.
- "Name" - Players clap their hands once.
- "Walk" now means "Stop."
- "Stop" now means "Walk."
Level Five:
- "Jump" - Players need to jump.
- "Dance" - Players need to dance.
- "Clap" - Players say their name out loud.
- "Name" - Players clap their hands once.
- "Walk" now means "Stop."
- "Stop" now means "Walk."
Level Six:
- "Jump" - Players need to dance.
- "Dance" - Players need to jump.
- "Clap" - Players say their name out loud.
- "Name" - Players clap their hands once.
- "Walk" now means "Stop."
- "Stop" now means "Walk."
The game becomes more chaotic and challenging as it progresses through the levels.
Winning the Game:
This game has no winners or losers; the goal is to have fun, create laughter, and break the ice among participants. Success is measured by the enjoyment and connection experienced during the game.
Variations:
- To make the game even more challenging, instructors can create additional levels with new commands or reverse commands.
- Participants can take turns being the instructor, adding their unique twist to the game.
Note:
This icebreaker game is an excellent way to energise a group and set a positive tone for any class, session, or keynote. It encourages participants to let loose, be creative, and connect with one another through laughter and shared experiences.
Monopoly Gratitude
Objective:
This is a unique and interactive version of the classic Monopoly game, redesigned to foster gratitude, self-appreciation, and learning in a fun and active environment. Teams compete to earn points by moving around a game board and engaging in activities and discussions based on gratitude and learning.
Players:
Suitable for classroom or outdoor settings, played in pairs or teams.
Materials:
- A printed and laminated copy of the Monopoly Gratitude game board (PDF format).
- A dice.
- A deck of playing cards.
- Monopoly game cards and markers for each team.
Setup:
- Arrange the laminated Monopoly Gratitude squares on the ground as outlined in the game card.
- Place the dice and deck of playing cards in the centre of the game layout.
- Each team starts at the "GO" square with a game card and marker.
Gameplay:
- Movement: Teams roll the dice and move forward the number of spaces indicated.
- Activity Squares: Each square contains instructions (questions or exercises) that students must complete before moving on.
- Scoring Points: Each time a team passes "GO," they earn one point.
- Star Jump Option: If a question is too difficult, students can do 10 star jumps as an alternative to move on.
- Game Duration: Recommended playtime is two 10-minute sessions with a short break in between. Adjust as necessary.
Winning the Game:
The game can be played competitively with a focus on points or as a non-competitive, fun learning experience.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Tailor questions and activities to specific learning objectives or curriculum topics.
- Wellness Edition: Focus on activities that promote physical health, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
- Large Group Edition: Adapt for larger groups by creating multiple game boards or dividing the class into more teams.
Additional Notes:
- Monopoly Gratitude is an excellent way to combine learning, physical activity, and the practice of gratitude and self-appreciation.
- It provides a dynamic and engaging approach to education, suitable for a wide range of ages and learning environments.
- This version of Monopoly encourages team-building, communication, and creative thinking, making it a valuable addition to any classroom or group activity setting.
The Nutbush
Objective:
To engage participants in a fun and energetic fitness workout based on the dance moves of the Nutbush, performed in a plank position to add a fitness challenge.
Players:
Suitable for groups of any size.
Materials:
No special materials are needed, just a space for each participant to perform the workout.
Setup:
Participants should be familiar with the basic dance steps of the Nutbush, which can be learned from the attached video.
Gameplay:
- Plank Position Movements: Participants start in a plank position and follow the rhythm of the Nutbush song with foot taps and movements.
- Adding Difficulty: To increase the challenge, participants can rotate 90 degrees at each pause in the song, maintaining the plank position.
- Group Coordination: The workout is synchronised to the song, creating a group exercise experience.
Winning the Game:
The focus is on participation, fun, and maintaining the plank position rather than winning.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Fitness Edition: Emphasise maintaining proper plank form and coordination with the music.
- Children's Edition: Simplify the movements and focus on having fun with the dance.
- Team Building Edition: Use the activity to build team coordination and morale.
Additional Notes:
- The Nutbush fitness version is a creative way to combine a popular dance with a fitness challenge.
- It's an entertaining and engaging way to incorporate music and exercise in a group setting.
- This workout is excellent for creating laughter and fun while providing a physical challenge.
Wellness Guess Who
Objective:
A community-building activity aimed at promoting gratitude and wellness. Participants write down a personal memory or situation they're grateful for, and the group guesses who wrote each note, fostering understanding and connections among participants.
Players:
Suitable for groups in homes, classrooms, or workplaces.
Materials:
- Pens and paper.
- A jar, bowl, or hat for collecting the notes.
Setup:
Place the writing materials and collection container at the entrance. As participants arrive, they write their gratitude memory and place the note in the container.
Gameplay:
- Once everyone has arrived, participants take turns drawing and reading a note aloud.
- The group collaborates to guess who the author of each note is.
- After guessing, the author reveals themselves and shares more about their memory.
- The game continues until all notes have been read and authors revealed.
Variations for Different Settings:
- Educational Edition: Focus on memories related to learning and personal growth.
- Corporate Edition: Encourage sharing of professional achievements or teamwork experiences.
- Family Edition: Share family memories or personal milestones.
Additional Notes:
- Wellness Guess Who is a thoughtful way to learn more about each other and foster empathy and understanding.
- It's a simple yet effective tool for enhancing group dynamics and promoting a culture of gratitude and wellness.
- The game can be adapted to suit any group size and setting, making it versatile and inclusive.
Download video HERE.
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