At Gladysdale Primary School we use the PLAY IS THE WAY®  practical methodology for teaching social and emotional learning.  This uses guided play, classroom activities and an empowering language – behaviour education using wisdom, not force.

It is a process that gives us a way to develop, improve and entrench the personal and social capabilities of students.

At Gladysdale Primary, we play three twenty minute games sessions each week.

The PLAY IS THE WAY® philosophy revolves around five key concepts:

If you don’t know why you’re doing something then don’t do it because it’s most likely wrong.

HAVE REASONS FOR THE THINGS YOU SAY AND DO

We don’t come to school to be better than others. We come to school to better ourselves by being able to work with others.

PURSUE YOUR PERSONAL BEST NO MATTER WHO YOU WORK WITH

We do the right thing because it’s the best thing to do.

IT TAKES GREAT STRENGTH TO BE SENSIBLE

School is about stepping bravely into the unknown. The unknown is often uncomfortable. The braver you are, the more you learn.

BE BRAVE – PARTICIPATE TO PROGRESS

If someone is unlike you, seek to understand them.

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU

PLAY IS THE WAY® also involves a self mastery checklist:

• Am I doing the right thing or the wrong thing?
• Am I having a strong moment or a weak moment?
• Am I being my own boss or am I inviting my teacher to be my boss?
• Am I running away from the problem or am I dealing with it?
• Is my teacher trying to help me or hurt me?
• Are my feelings in charge of my actions or is my thinking in charge?
• Be the master, not the victim of your feelings

NB: the information on this page was taken from the official PLAY IS THE WAY® website.