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Mix it Up

My students created a game on the playground.  They made their own rules and figured out ways to be the best at this game.  Then came the challenge.  The girls challenged the boys to a marathon of this game.  Every day when we went outside they would situate themselves around this game.  

As some time passed I noticed that the teams had changed.  It was no longer girls vs. boys.  They mixed it up.  With this change there seemed to be more comradery.  The game flowed more smoothly than it had before and rules seemed to be adhered to more diligently.  

There are times in the classroom where the kids would prefer to be with their own gender.  We respect that.  There are times when the kids like to be with their friends.  We respect that too.  There are times, as well, when they let go of these notions and allow themselves to expand their horizons; including themselves among everyone...male, female, friend, or foe.

This display of mixing it up produces precisely what I, as their teacher, strive for in the social arena of my classroom.  Comradery.  The ability to get along and feel good about the fellowship that comes from sharing time and space with others.  

Play is an important part of learning...it's a natural stage for kids.  The game they created is theirs...they own it, they enjoy it, they learn from it.


Mr. Casten
Oct. 26, 2012

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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