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Emma used to eat lunch alone until a classmate invited her to join an online game after school. In that virtual world, she wasn't the quiet kid in the corner. She was a leader, a strategist, a teammate. Soon, the friendships she built online spilled into real life, giving her the confidence to connect beyond the screen.
Online games can isolate, but they can also unite. The key? Using them with purpose.
Let's rethink online play. This week, we're sharing virtual activities that are powerful social tools and how you can bring them into your classroom or home today. Let's dive in!
#355: Transforming School Culture: Empowering Student Leaders Through Play-Based Learning at Keilor Views Primary School
If you think digital play is just a distraction, think again.
In this week’s Energetic Radio episode, Paul Campbell and I step into a school culture where play-based learning and digital tools empower student leaders like Lily and James to take charge.
From hosting their own school podcast to driving real change, these young leaders show us that when used with purpose, digital spaces can build connections that extend beyond the screen.
Hear how Principal Matt Borg is harnessing play to cultivate leadership and well-being and how you can do the same in your community.
Tune in now to discover how to turn your students into active leaders!
Daily Mission Cards
We know online interactions can sometimes feel impersonal or even negative. But what if we taught kids to use digital spaces to uplift?
Today’s mission: Encourage kids to leave a thoughtful, appreciative chat message for a friend or family member. A simple “You made my day!” can turn an ordinary message into a moment of real connection.
When kids learn to spread kindness online, they transform digital spaces into places of support and empathy, helping counteract the social downsides of screen time.
For more easy, powerful ways to make play more meaningful, check out our Kindness & Happiness Mission Cards!
Pick the Decade
Digital play keeps kids socially connected, but what about their bodies? Hours of screen time can mean less energy and less physical engagement. That’s where Pick the Decade comes in.
This game bridges the gap between virtual and physical play, getting kids thinking and moving. By adding exercise to play, kids stay active, proving that digital play doesn’t have to mean sitting still.
Download and try it out to see how movement can improve virtual games!
Classroom, Planning, Teachers Purposeful Planning in a Virtual World
When staring at a lesson plan, every teacher knows the feeling, wondering, "Will this truly engage my students?" Whether you're teaching online or in person, distractions are everywhere. Energy fades.
In this webinar, Jace Ferguson shares powerful strategies to design lessons that captivate, challenge, and inspire. Discover how to use digital tools with intention, create interactive experiences, and ensure your students aren't just present but fully engaged.
Save this for later, and let's stop going through the motions and start bringing learning to life wherever we teach!
Inspiring the Leaders of Tomorrow
For the second year in a row, we had the honour of delivering the opening keynote at The Student Leaders Congress at Deakin University Warrnambool—and what an event it was!
With 230 student leaders from 30 schools, the day was filled with inspiration, leadership, and action. Events like these remind us why we do what we do: helping young leaders find their voice, build confidence, and create real impact in their communities.
A massive shoutout to Simon for organising such an incredible event. We can’t wait to see the amazing programs these students bring to life this year!
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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