Play is the Way - Behaviour Education and Self-Management

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​St Joseph's Primary School Red Cliffs
17 Fitzroy Avenue,
Red Cliffs, 3496.

Phone: 03 5024 1654
​Email: admin@sjredcliffs.catholic.edu.au
A prominent part of the curriculum at St Joseph's is the implementation of Wilson McCaskill’s ‘Play is the Way’ program. ‘Play is the Way’ is a practical methodology for teaching social and emotional learning using guided play, classroom activities and a specific and empowering language which is embedded across all levels of our school.  We have a Behaviour Education and Self-Management Policy that supports our focus in this area.
We strongly believe that the program supports our students by developing the fundamental skills for life effectiveness. Teaching the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work effectively and ethically.  These skills include recognising and managing our emotions, developing caring concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively. They are the skills that allow children to calm themselves when angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make strong and safe choices.
The ‘Play is the Way’ philosophy consists of behaviour education and student self-management that fosters independent, self-motivated, empathetic, lifelong learners. This philosophy revolves around the Self-Mastery Checklist,  5 key life raft concepts and Virtues:
Life Raft Concepts
  • Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
  • Be brave – Participate to progress.
  • Pursue your personal best no matter who you work with.
  • Have reasons for the things you say and do.
  • It takes great strength to be sensible.
Self-Mastery Checklist
By implementing careful questioning and respectful suggestions, teachers encourage meaningful conversation around students’ behaviour. Teachers use careful reflective language as part of our Self-Mastery Checklist.  This language is firmly embedded throughout our school and includes the following questions:
  • Am I doing the right thing or the wrong thing?
  • Am I making a strong decision or a weak decision?
  • Are my feelings in charge of my actions or is my thinking in charge?
  • Am I running away from the problem or am I dealing with it?
  • Am I being my own boss or am I inviting my teacher to be my boss?
  • Is my teacher trying to help me or hurt me?
School Virtues
Play is the Way strives to build more empathy in students.  The virtues we have as a school are chosen as we believe they assist students in the 'Pathway to Empathy'.
  • Good manners (Prep-6)
  • Friendliness (Prep-6)
  • Courage (Prep-6)
  • Persistence and resilience (Grade 3-6)
  • Tolerance and acceptance (Grade 3-6)​
  • Compassion (Grade 3-6)​​.

For further information and recommended reading for parents, please visit the ‘Play is the Way’ website at https://www.playistheway.com.au