You can now access The Playworks School Re-Opening Workbook, a free resource aiming to bring a bit of ease to the transition back to school. Find guidance around infusing play and playfulness into the process, and practical tools to try it on.

You can also download specific sections of the workbook:

Book Narrative

Worksheets

Game Guide

Access the Audiobook:

DOWNLOAD THE FULL AUDIOBOOK

Transitions – Workbook Introduction

Space

Rituals

Rules

Referees

Contact Micaela Gerardin-Frey, SEL District Specialist, for more information or support.

https://www.playworks.org/game-library/page/27/

TRY ONE OR MORE OF THESE GAMES THIS WEEK!

Land – Sea – Air

https://www.playworks.org/game-library/land-sea-air/

Up Down Go Stop

https://www.playworks.org/game-library/up-down-stop-go/

Evolution

# of people to play: 5+           Best for ages: 5 - 9      Equipment needed: None!

Setup/Teaching Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start

• Identify the boundaries of the play space and any potential safety hazards.
• Make sure everyone knows how to play Ro Sham Bo (Rock Paper Scissors).
• Review the motions for each evolution level (Egg, Chicken, T-Rex, Rock Star, Superhero) and the order they follow.

○ Egg: Crouch down with your hands on top of your head to make an egg shape.

○ Chicken: Bend your arms into chicken wings and cluck like a chicken.

○ T-Rex: Make tiny T-Rex arms and stomp around.

○ Rock Star: Hold an air guitar and play a face-melting solo.

○ Superhero: Tie on a cape and hold out your arms like you’re flying.

Set Up

• Players spread out in the play space. How to Play
• All players begin the game as an Egg.
• The goal is to evolve all the way up to a Superhero!
• In order to evolve, players look for other players who are on the same level as them (e.g. Eggs look for Eggs, Chickens look for Chickens) and challenge them to a game of Ro Sham Bo.
• Whoever wins the Ro Sham Bo gets to evolve to the next level; the other player must stay at the same level and find a new Ro Sham Bo partner.
• The Evolution Order is as follows: Egg → Chicken → T-Rex → Rock Star → Superhero
• Superheroes have a special job: Instead of finding other Superheroes to play Ro Sham Bo, they fly around looking to help other players! Superheroes play Ro Sham Bo against another player until that player wins and gets to evolve.

At-Home Accommodations

• Carefully move furniture to create a more open play space.
• Practice each motion before playing so everyone knows how to stay safe. Modifications for Social Distancing
• Make sure not to touch other players’ hands while playing Ro Sham Bo.

Challenge ideas

• If a player isn’t successful in a game of Ro Sham Bo, they have to go down one level instead of staying the same!

Game Variations

• For younger players, try using fewer levels so it’s easier to remember the order.
• Add in your own evolution levels and make up a funny motion to go with them!

The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.”

• Identifying emotions
• Accurate self-perception
• Recognizing strengths
• Self-confidence
• Self-efficacy

The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals.

• Impulse control
• Stress management
• Self-discipline
• Self-motivation
• Goal-setting
• Organizational skills

The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

• Perspective-taking
• Empathy
• Appreciating diversity
• Respect for others

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.

• Communication
• Social engagement
• Relationship-building
• Teamwork