Celebrating August Through Play Based Coaching®

 Since 2003, I’ve used play as the heart of my work with children but I have always called myself a Kids Life Coach. Over time, as I trained thousands of professionals around the world to use my Play Based Coaching System®, I realised that my work goes beyond children alone. As a global network, we support families, educators, and communities.

At Kids Life Studio®,  what we’ve always done is deeper than a title. Our Play Based Coaching System® is science-backed, ethically grounded, and rooted in empathy. Now, in a world that’s always changing, it’s time to be intentional with our language. Not because our work has changed but because it’s time to call it what it truly is:  We are Play Based Coaches and we play for a living! Something I have always said and still subscribe too!

This August, as our global network of Kids Life Studio® Coaches continue to pioneer the play based coaching movement, I want to honour three important days and give you some robust, easy-to-implement ideas to create real impact with play at the centre:

🌿 9 August – International Day of the World's Indigenous People - Honouring Indigenous Voices

This day reminds us that story is sacred, and every child has a right to know the stories of those who came before them.

• Story Stones Creation: Gather smooth stones and art materials. Invite children to paint or draw symbols or images inspired by Indigenous stories or nature. Use these stones to tell and retell stories, encouraging children to build narrative skills and cultural respect.
• Identity Exploration Play: Facilitate a “culture collage” activity using magazines, fabrics, natural items, or photos where children assemble visual representations of their family traditions and heritage. This hands-on project deepens self-awareness and pride in identity.
• Intergenerational Story Sharing: Organise a simple ‘story circle’ where caregivers and children take turns sharing a meaningful family story or memory, supported by a play object (like a puppet or a treasured toy). This creates connection and builds empathy across generations.

Outcome: Children develop a deeper respect for cultural diversity, a stronger sense of identity, and meaningful family connections through playful storytelling and creative expression.

✨ 12 August – International Youth Day - Celebrating Youth Potential

International Youth Day is a reminder that young people are not waiting to become powerful,  they already are and we get to support them in discovering this.

• Dream Map Building: Using large paper, paint, clay, LEGO, or craft supplies, co-create a “dream map” where children express their hopes for the future. Encourage open conversation as they build or draw, guiding with curiosity rather than direction.
• Active Listening Games: Play turn-taking games that encourage sharing ideas without interruption, like “Pass the Story” or “Idea Ball,” helping children practice deep listening and respect for others’ voices.
• Youth-Led Play Projects: Invite children to design and lead a simple game or creative project with peers or family members. Support their leadership by asking open-ended questions and celebrating their initiative.

Outcome: Children gain confidence, leadership skills, and feel truly heard, fostering courage and self-expression in a safe, playful environment.

❤️ 19 August – World Humanitarian Day - Leading With Humanity

World Humanitarian Day calls us to remember: kindness is world-changing. Children often understand this more clearly than we do so we need to speak their language of play to meet them halfway.

• Kindness Quest: Create a playful “kindness challenge” chart where children track acts of kindness they give or receive throughout the week, with stickers or tokens as rewards. Reflect together on how these actions feel.
• Cooperative Play: Choose games like “Team Building Puzzles,” “Group Storytelling,” or “Partner Obstacle Courses” that require teamwork, patience, and empathy. Debrief with questions about how cooperation helped everyone.
• Helping Hands Puppet Show: Use puppets or dolls to role-play scenarios involving helping others, talking through feelings and problem-solving ways to support friends or family members in need.

Outcome: Children experience firsthand the power of kindness, cooperation, and emotional generosity — building social skills and empathy that ripple into their communities.

💛 Why These Days Matter in Play-Based Coaching

We don’t coach to fix children.
We coach to support them.
To walk beside them as they grow their roots and stretch their branches.

Celebration Days like these remind us that play is more than fun. It’s a language of connection, resilience, and transformation. Thank you for being part of this journey, rooted in play, driven by purpose, and committed to real change.