The purpose of this project is to use structured play as a tool for teaching social-emotional learning. Many students in grades K–5 struggle with handling competition, managing disappointment, and working as part of a team. Especially at our school, where a large number of our students are only children. This game room will provide intentional opportunities for students to practice cooperation, respectful competition, resilience when losing, and celebrating others’ successes.
The project addresses ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors related to self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, while also supporting school priorities of improving peer relationships and reducing behavior referrals.

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Game On: Building Character Through Play

School:
Seacrest Country Day School - Lower School 
Subject:
School-wide program 
Teacher:
Amanda Jones 
Students Impacted:
123 
Grade:
Pre K - 5 
Date:
September 10, 2025

0% Funded

 

 

Only $1,136.17 Needed

 

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Goal(s)

The purpose of this project is to use structured play as a tool for teaching social-emotional learning. Many students in grades K–5 struggle with handling competition, managing disappointment, and working as part of a team. Especially at our school, where a large number of our students are only children. This game room will provide intentional opportunities for students to practice cooperation, respectful competition, resilience when losing, and celebrating others’ successes.
The project addresses ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors related to self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, while also supporting school priorities of improving peer relationships and reducing behavior referrals. 

 

Category

Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc. 

 

Project Description

This project will create a dedicated "Games Room" with age-appropriate board games, card games, and collaborative challenges. Counselors and teachers will guide students in structured play sessions that emphasize:

Taking turns and following rules.
Learning how to both win and lose with dignity.
Practicing empathy, teamwork, and communication.
Building resilience by handling frustration in a safe, supportive setting.

The Games Room will serve small counseling groups, SEL lessons, and recess alternatives for students who need a more structured social space. Teachers and staff can also sign up to bring students for classroom community-building.

Funds will be used for a curated set of board games, cooperative games, storage bins, and visual SEL prompts that support learning goals while remaining fun and engaging for children. 

 

Expected Outcomes

Students who participate in the Games Room will:

Improve social skills (measured by pre- and post-teacher checklists and counselor observations).
Increase resilience by demonstrating coping strategies when losing or facing challenges.
Strengthen cooperation and teamwork (measured by reductions in conflict referrals and improved classroom climate surveys).

We anticipate a 15–20% reduction in behavior referrals related to peer conflict in participating grades, alongside teacher-reported improvements in cooperation and self-regulation. 

 

Purpose of Funding

Grant funds will purchase a curated selection of board games, cooperative challenges, and organizational materials for the Games Room. Each item was chosen to directly support K–5 students in developing resilience, cooperation, and respectful competition. Classic competitive games like Connect 4 and Chess teach turn-taking and patience; cooperative games like Forbidden Island strengthen teamwork and communication; and family-friendly strategy games like Catan Junior and Ticket to Ride Jr. encourage planning and collaboration.

Together, these resources will create a structured, engaging space where play becomes a vehicle for social-emotional learning and character growth. 

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 Catan Junior $36.95
2 Ticket to Ride: First Journey (Junior) $27.99
3 Blokus $32.99
4 Pictionary (Kids Edition) – $21.59
5 Connect 4 (Table Version) $13.99
6 Uno $6.99
7 Uno Flip $5.99
8 Jenga $14.99
9 Giant Jenga $99.95
10 Forbidden Island $27.99
11 Spot It! $19.99
12 Guess Who? $12.99
13 SEL visual prompts/posters for play expectations $12.00
14 Breakout EDU Subscription $259.00
15 Breakout EDU Subscription $259.00
16 Bobby Fischer “Learn to Play Chess” Set $36.95
17 Bobby Fischer “Learn to Play Chess” Set $36.95
18 Bobby Fischer “Learn to Play Chess” Set $36.95
19 Bobby Fischer “Learn to Play Chess” Set $36.95
20 Connect 4 (Giant Version) $93.98
21 Clue Jr $15.99
22 Team-Building Pipeline Challenge Kit $26.00
  Total: $1,136.17

0% Funded

 

 

Only $1,136.17 Needed

 

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Special Thanks to Our Presenting Partners

Suncoast Credit Union