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In my teaching years, I saw kids shut down at the first sign of failure. A wrong answer? They'll give up. A tough problem? They wouldn't even try. Like many students, they feared mistakes because school taught them failure meant falling behind.
The problems are rigid rules and high-pressure learning. Many teachers want to make learning playful, but outdated systems hold them back. The result? Kids struggle instead of thriving through challenges.
The good news is when schools embrace play, everything shifts. Students discover learning could be fun, and mistakes could be stepping stones. This week, we're sharing resources to make this happen in your school. Ready? Let's dive in!
#352: Late Start, New Beginnings: Energetic Radio Returns with Dale and Paul
Resilience is for all of us. And sometimes, it starts with a fresh perspective. In this episode, Paul Campbell and I dive into the power of rewriting our response to challenges.
We explore how anxiety and discomfort, often seen as obstacles, can be tools for growth. Just like students need safe, playful spaces to build resilience, we must lean into discomfort, trust the process, and reframe failure as learning.
Plus, we share exciting new projects designed to help families and educators create environments where you and your students can experiment, fail, and grow.
Daily Mission Cards
The pressure to perform can make learning feel more stressful than joyful. When was the last time your classroom echoed with laughter?
Today’s mission is simple: spread smiles. Tell a joke, share a funny story, or watch something that makes you laugh. Smiling and laughter create a safe space where students feel comfortable growing in environments where they aren’t afraid to make mistakes.
Want more playful ideas to boost connection in your classroom? Grab the Creative Play and Movement Mission Cards!
Resilience Rally
One of the biggest challenges in schools today? Students feel alone in their struggles. Many don’t realise that resilience is built together, not in isolation.
That’s where Resilience Rally comes in. This powerful game helps students reflect on past challenges, celebrate their growth, and see that setbacks don’t define them—how they rise does. By sharing experiences and lifting each other up, they develop the confidence to face new obstacles with a stronger mindset in a safe space for vulnerability and support.
Try it this week and watch confidence soar!
Taking Yourself Beyond Resilience with Kirsty & James Greenshields
Schools often focus on academic success while overlooking the deeper struggles students and educators face: stress, emotional burnout, and the pressure to always "get it right." But true resilience goes beyond grit—it's creating balance and adaptability.
The Beyond Resilience course redefines what it means to thrive and do just that. Drawing from their experiences in the military and leadership, Kirsty and James offer a holistic approach that helps educators and students turn stress into strength, conflict into connection, and challenges into growth.
If your school wants to move beyond rigid systems, this course is your next step.
Save this for later to transform the way you lead!
Energising School Leaders
We had the privilege of leading a FunShop for over 50 school principals at the Victorian Principals Association’s annual planning conference—and what a session it was!
Our goal? To spark energy, laughter, and connection before content because strong relationships create thriving schools no matter your leadership level. The engagement was incredible, and we’re thrilled that so many principals are bringing the playful strategies back to their staff meetings.
Thank you, VPA, for an unforgettable session!
Join us on this global journey of joy and connection! If you want to bring The School of Play to your community, fill out the form here ➡
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