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We talk a lot about well-being, engagement, and learning. But what about relationships?
When students feel talked at rather than talked with, they pull back. And when every adult interaction feels like a correction, instead of a connection, the walls build up fast.
Even in the most caring classrooms, traditional roles keep students at a distance. The teacher holds the power. Respect is expected, but not always experienced.
The truth? You can't force respect. But you can create the conditions where it grows.
This is where play comes in. When teachers step into play with their students, the hierarchy softens. Laughter levels the field. Vulnerability replaces control.
Students see their teachers as humans, not just authority figures, and that changes everything.
This week, we're exploring ways play can reshape staff-student relationships from top-down to side-by-side. Read on to discover playful activities that open the door to mutual respect and learning. Ready? Let's dive in!
#371: Aaron Healey: Unlocking Perspective, Passion, and Play!
This week on Energetic Radio, Paul and I sit down with educator, sports coach, and former Young Socceroo, Aaron Healey.
Aaron reflects on his journey from elite football to coaching and education. He shares how mentorship shaped his path, why failure should be embraced, and how perspective can completely change how we show up for others.
There’s absolute honesty in this episode about leadership, parenting, and the pressures young people face (still, with a strong sense of hope). Aaron believes that when you lead with empathy and meet others with openness, you make space for connection.
Tune in to this episode and get ready to feel inspired!
The School of Play Curriculum V2 is here for 2026!
More play. More joy. More impact 🎉
We’ve redesigned our entire curriculum to make life easier for educators and better for students.
• Brand-new 10-week units for every year level (F–9)
• New Special Education and Kindergarten programs
• Respectful Relationships lessons built in
• Ready-to-go PDFs, videos & success criteria
• Fully mapped to the Vic 2.0 & Australian Curriculum
• Backed by La Trobe University research
Prices start from just $1,000 because we believe well-being should be affordable for everyone.
Every school is unique. Book a discovery call today and let’s see how The School of Play can help your students and community thrive in 2026!
Daily Mission Cards
We're living in a world where many young people feel unsure about their role in it, overwhelmed by what's going on around them and disconnected from how they can make a difference.
Start your day with this simple question:
"What's one superpower you wish you had to make the world a better place?"
Use it as a quick ice-breaker. Ask students (and yourself) to name a "superpower" they'll use today. Let each answer stand on its own. Then take a moment to reflect together: Why did you choose that? Who might need it today?
As a teacher, sharing your intention models vulnerability and builds trust. They support social-emotional development, reduce emotional distance, and make space for authentic connection. It's a 2-minute mission that shifts the tone of the day.
Want more ways to build kindness into your routine? Explore the Kindness & Happiness Mission Deck to bring more joy into your space!
Get Seven Bounces
Respect doesn't always come from titles or roles. Sometimes, it's best built over a simple, shared bond.
Get Seven Bounces is a fast-paced, partner-based coordination game that levels the playing field, literally! Teachers and students can participate in a space where there's no top-down dynamic.
Here's how it works: bounce a ping pong ball exactly seven times so your partner can catch it. Start with one bounce, then increase it each round. Miss the count? You lose that round and reset. Keep playing until one player achieves ten wins, then swap partners.
This shared experience between you, as a teacher, and your students creates mutual respect and playfulness, breaking down traditional roles. Try it to kick off the day, bridge transitions, or refresh the room with energy and connection!
Want more activities like this? Subscribe to Jugar Life and access a growing library of purposeful games!
Building Connections Through Positive Play
Some students don’t respond to questions. They respond to rhythm. To humour. To play.
Daniel Inman, an international school counsellor in Ethiopia, knows this very well. With over 15 years of experience, he’s found that the fastest way to earn trust is through doing something playful together.
In this session, Daniel shares how he uses simple, structured forms of play to connect with students of all ages. He shows how one playful moment creates emotional safety that the brain needs before it can learn or open up.
No theory overload. Just practical, tried-and-tested strategies that help students feel seen and engaged, especially those who struggle to connect in more traditional settings.
Watch the session here and discover how play makes connection possible!
Kicking Off with Connection
Last week started on a high note as we had the absolute pleasure of spending the morning with the incredible crew from the Victorian Principals Association at Settlers Run Golf Course.
From big laughs to deep conversations, we explored how connection and play are essential to reshaping school culture that ripples through entire communities.
Huge thanks to all the amazing principals who showed up with openness and energy. It’s inspiring to see school leaders not only prioritising well-being, but also preparing to bring our play-based model to life in 2026 across their schools.
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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