Dale Sidebottom is a play-based educator, author, international speaker and founder of The School of Play. For more than 20 years he has dedicated his life to helping schools, organisations and communities build happier, healthier and more connected lives through the science and joy of play.
Starting as a classroom teacher, Dale discovered that play is one of the most powerful tools for human wellbeing — not just for children, but for leaders, families and entire communities. Today his work spans 600+ schools, 25+ countries, four books and three podcasts.
2001
The classroom begins
Starts teaching PE & health in Australian schools — discovering connection always comes before content.
2008
Play changes everything
A breakthrough insight: play isn't just for kids. It's one of the most powerful tools for human wellbeing.
2013
School of Play founded
Turns the idea into a movement — The School of Play launches, helping schools embed wellbeing through play.
2016
All Work No Play published
The book that started a global conversation about why adults need play just as much as children.
2018
TEDx Docklands
Delivers "The Power of Play" at TEDx Docklands — watched by hundreds of thousands around the world.
2020
Wolf Logic Leadership
Launches the Wolf Logic Trust Lab — a leadership philosophy built on trust, courage and connection.
2021
The Playful Astronauts
Children's book published. 365 Days of Play follows — a year of daily play for every home.
2022
Better Us & ClassBreak
Student wellbeing platform and teacher activity app launch — technology meets play at scale.
2024
25+ countries · 600+ schools
Three podcasts, four books, and a global community of people choosing to live and lead through play.
