PLAY IS THE WAY – A WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH IN SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING AT TGS
This Year Staff completed Component 2 of the KidsMatter journey. Through this training the research was clear that
social and emotional education cannot be left to chance and that explicit teaching of social and emotional skills is
essential for children to achieve their best socially, emotionally and academically.
Therefore we are excited to announce that the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program to be delivered R-7 at
Trinity Gardens in PLAY IS THE WAY.
Play is the Way is a practical methodology for teaching social and emotional learning using guided play, classroom
activities and an empowering language. Through active class games students are supported to develop skills in
responsible decision making, resilience and empathy. The program’s language is simple and specific to support the
fostering of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and social management.
To begin our Play Is The Way Journey this Term we are focusing on the Virtue of :
Good Manners
“The habit of speaking and acting in a way that makes people feel appreciated, valued and respected. The habit
of using the words and actions of good manners with sincerity”
Good Manners are the lubricating oil of social machinery. When we are well mannered with each other it allows us
to manage difficult situations more positively, it allows us to develop friendships more easily and it makes people
feel appreciated, valued and respected creating a positive community.
As adults it is so very important that we are role modelling what we want from our children. ‘Role modelling good
manners takes commitment and self appraisal. Good manners don’t suddenly disappear. They slowly slip away and
are eroded by the stresses of daily living’ Wilson McCaskil.
Parents who are aware of good manners;
 tend to make sure they are well mannered to their children , spouse or partner.
 expect good manners from their children
 spend time to develop this necessary habit
 role model good manners in the community- shop assistants, fellow road users and people in general
5 Play Is The Way Key Concepts
This Term classes will also be learning about the 5 Key concepts that will be used as a reference point for teachers
when educating students about behaviour through the program. The 5 Key Concepts are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The GOLDEN RULE: Treat others as you would like them to treat you. (Week 1 & 2)
Be Brave Participate to Progress (Week 3 & 4)
Pursue Your Personal Best No Matter Who You Work With. (Week 5 & 6)
Have Reasons For the Things You Say and Do (Week 7 & 8)
It takes Great Strength to be Sensible (Week 9 & 10)
The Golden Rule- Week 1 & 2
Look out for the GOLDEN RULE posters in classrooms and around the school! As this will be the focus for the first
two weeks, ask your child what this means and how the Golden Rule relates to their behaviour at home too!
Play Is The Way website- more information for families.
Please visit the Play Is the Way website (www.playistheway.com.au) for more information about the program and
also access parenting ideas including some great short video’s on a range of topics delivered by the founder of Play Is
The Way- Wilson McCaskil.
Ruth Busby
Wellbeing Coordinator