.svg)
A teacher friend faced a problem we all know too well. Two of her students argued and disrupted the entire class. Then she tried something different. She turned their conflict into a roleplaying game. The result? Those same students went from arguing to working together in minutes.
Her story shows what many of us miss: conflict doesn't need to paralyse our classrooms or workplaces. In my work across 20+ countries, I've seen that the best conflict resolution technique isn't a stern conversation or a formal mediation—it's play.
Skeptical? I understand. Play might seem counterintuitive when tensions are high. But research proves otherwise. Playful approaches double empathy and help people remember resolution strategies 67% better.
This week, we're sharing the exact activity that transformed her classroom and more. Let's dive in!
Conflict Harmony Bridge
We’ve talked about how play can turn tension into teamwork. Now, let’s put that into action! Conflict Harmony Bridge is a powerful way to help anyone step into each other’s shoes and find solutions together.
In this game, players act out real-life conflicts, not to win an argument but to understand and learn how to express themselves while truly hearing others. When we allow people, especially kids, to navigate conflict in a safe, playful space, they build the confidence to do it when it matters most.
Want to try this game? Download it HERE.
Giveaway
If Conflict Harmony Bridge helps you through tricky conversations, the Icebreaker Board Game will break down walls before they even go up.
Struggling with cliques or students who just won’t connect? We’re giving you a fun, movement-based game for FREE to break down walls and bring students together naturally. This activity gets kids to practise social skills and find common ground with classmates, making conflict resolution easier down the road.
A thriving classroom starts with strong relationships. YOU can make that happen.
Get your FREE Icebreaker Board Game here.
Daily Mission Cards
No time for a full game? The Creative Play and Movement Mission Cards have you covered!
Conflict can linger even after it’s resolved. That’s where play works its magic. Instead of holding onto frustration, shake it off with the Straight-Face Game.
How to play: Take turns making the other person laugh while keeping a straight face yourself. The first to smile or laugh loses. It’s quick, lighthearted, and instantly melts away tension because once you’ve laughed together, it’s hard to stay upset.
Grab your Daily Mission Cards, and let fun be your reset button.
Empowering Connections through Empathy
Ever had one of those moments where a conversation just hits a wall? Maybe it’s a student who shrugs and says, “Never mind,” or a child who crosses their arms and shuts down. You want to help, but somehow, the words don’t land.
Hosted by Sam Moinet, the Heart With Ears workshop is here to transform how you listen, communicate, and connect. Because real listening, the kind that makes people feel heard and valued, is a skill, and it can be taught, practised, and mastered.
Ready to make that kind of impact in just 60 minutes?
Our Global Reach
The start of the year has been electric! We delivered a high-energy keynote at The Sports College South Australia and ran FunShops for Year 12 students at Tallangatta SC and McKinnon Secondary. The power of play has been in full force.
At every session, we saw how movement, laughter, and connection could transform a group for setting intentions for the year, strengthening teamwork, or boosting confidence before big challenges. The energy was unreal, and the impact? Even bigger.
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 ➡
.avif)
