A play-based relational wellbeing program for children
A different starting point for wellbeing.
Common Ground is a term-based, psychologist-developed wellbeing program designed to help children become more aware of themselves, more flexible in how they respond, and more able to make room for the experiences of others.
Rather than primarily teaching children what they should do when emotions or relationships become difficult, Common Ground develops some of the capacities underneath those skills: noticing what is happening internally, approaching reactions with curiosity rather than judgement, recognizing the influence of context, understanding that other people may experience the same situation differently, and developing greater choice over what happens next.
These are the type of subtle skills that lay underneath many other social and emotional skills, and shape every relationship that follows.
What it looks like for children.
Not much like a psychology lesson.
Children learn through movement, imaginative games, humor, role-play, group experiments and brief moments of mindful noticing. They might experiment with how different “parts” of themselves show up in different situations, investigate what happens when an environment changes, discover how differently a room full of people can experience the same thing, or try to uncover the “hidden mission” behind a game.
Personal or vulnerable disclosure is never required. Activities frequently use fictional characters, playful scenarios and group experiments so children can explore psychological and relational ideas safely.
What Common Ground aims to develop.
Over the term, children move from noticing me, to understanding me in context, to noticing me with you — and ultimately exploring how we can remain ourselves while making room for one another.
Common Ground is designed as a 10-week, term-based program, with one 45–60 minute session each week.
The school program can be delivered to an individual class or across a year-level cohort, with classroom teachers supporting small-group activities and ordinary classroom management.
Sessions move between whole-group experiments and smaller-group activities, allowing children to experience concepts at scale while still having opportunities for discussion, play and reflection in smaller groups.
The skills through these activities compliment and enhance existing socio-emotional programs rather than replace or compete with them.
Currently in pilot.
Common Ground commenced its first structured pilot in Term 4, 2026.
The pilot includes child and parent pre/post evaluation, qualitative feedback, attendance and structured facilitator observations. Findings will be used to refine the program ahead of broader school delivery.
Schools interested in 2027 delivery are welcome to enquire now.
If you're responsible for student wellbeing, curriculum or school leadership and would like to explore whether Common Ground could suit your school or setting, you're welcome to get in touch, or book a brief 15-minute conversation below.