Lead the play
Grades 6-8
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
1. Explain that children will design and run the play session themselves.
2. Tell children that they are responsible for helping the session run well.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Take ownership of the session.
2. Include everyone in play.
3. Respect leaders and players.
4. Solve challenges together before asking for help.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Your Session, Your Call
Age Group
Ages 12-14
Session Intention
Children design and lead an entire play session for their peers with full ownership.
Materials Needed
• Mechanix-2 (1)
• Jodo Straws (1)
• Jodo Blocks (1)
• Super Architect/Lego (2)
• Mechanix-3 (1)
• Mechanix Plastic (2)
• Jenga (1)
• Jumbo Blocks/Brilliant (1)
• Mechanix Beginner Asst (3)
Classroom Arrangement
1. No special setup. Use familiar games.
2. Make groups of 4-6.
3. Give groups a few minutes to organise.
4. You sit at the back and observe.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
START PLAY:
1. Divide the class into groups of 4-6 children.
2. Give groups 5 minutes to plan a short play activity for the whole class. Example Games: Zip Zap Zop, Rock-Paper-Scissor Tournament, Hula Hoop Pass etc.
3. Ask groups to decide:The game or activity | The rules | How they will explain it | How they will include everyone.
4. Invite each group to lead the class for 5–7 minutes.
5. Other children participate as players while the group facilitates.
6. If time remains, ask some children to distribute games to each group to play.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Observe from the side and allow children to manage the session.
2. Encourage leaders to make decisions and solve problems together.
3. Allow children to adapt games if needed.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. If a group cannot move forward, help them identify the next step.
2. If players are confused, ask the leaders to clarify the rules.
3. Intervene only when needed for safety, inclusion, or major conflicts.
What You May Notice
1. This is the most revealing session in the programme.
2. Leaders will show you things about themselves you have not seen in other sessions.
3. How they handle conflict, disengagement, and unexpected situations is the real learning here.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Gather the class and ask children to reflect on the session they designed and led.
2. Invite 2-3 groups to share: What they planned and what they would do differently next time.
3. Ask children what they learned about leading a group.
4. Appreciate children for planning and leading games.
5. Pack up the materials if used.
Try Next Time
1. Groups plan and run a session for a younger class.
2. Teams create a written session plan that others can use.
3. Peer coaching: Groups observe each other and give feedback.
4. Ask the class to give each team feedback after their game.