Friday, October 26, 2018

Teaching and Learning Unwritten Rules

Play with me for just a bit.

You enter a movie theater to view the latest blockbuster, and all seats are filled except for one that is in the middle of a long row.  That's OK because you're the last person to enter the theater.  You shuffle in front of and sometimes  over people, but you finally get to the lone, remaining seat in the room.  You sit to make yourself comfortable, and the film starts.  Now remember, the theater is full--very full.  You're surrounded by people who want to see the movie--just like you do.  The rules are fairly simple.  Sit, turn off electronics, don't talk.  Enjoy.  The rules are so simple, they can be shared via a dancing cup or a talking box  of popcorn.  But at least one rule in a crowded movie theater is an unwritten rule.

Who gets to use the armrests?

Hmmmm....  While there are enough seats for every person, armrests are usually shared.  This can create a bit of a quandary-unless you understand  unwritten rules.

From my experience the person who is present first or the larger person gets to use the armrests.  That doesn't always seem quite fair.  And surely it doesn't always feel as comfortable.  After all, you paid just as much to see the show as the people on both sides of you.  Don't you deserve to be able to use an armrest too?

There really isn't an answer to these questions, of course, but this story does illustrate the power of unwritten rules.  Not navigating an unwritten rule properly can single you out.  It can even lead to embarrassment or other uncomfortable situations.  Some of these situations are so uncomfortable people won't even put themselves in those situations.  When was the last time you went to a different church, synagogue, or temple?  It's not that I am not respectful or even curious.  One reason I don't is because I don't understand the unwritten rules, and I don't want to offend anyone.

Playgrounds at school have unwritten rules too.

You'd think rules for recess would be fairly self-explanatory, and they are in many cases.  Have fun.  Be safe.  Be respectful.  Recall, however, how many "new rules" get made up within a soccer game or a game of four square.  What's out, or what's in?  Who leads?  What is a score?  What is allowed or not allowed?  How are controversies resolved?  How are teams  decided?  What if teams are uneven?  What if someone new doesn't know the rules?  What if someone doesn't understand the rules because he/she is learning to speak a new  language?

When you stop and reflect deeply, there are many, many unwritten rules at recess.

Teaching unwritten rules is just one reason why we have noon aides.

I've written about our noon aides in the past.  They are a team of dedicated individuals who help monitor our kids at lunch recess.  They help our kids be safe, be respectful, and have fun.  But they do so much more.

With great support from our district's educational foundation, all elementary schools in our district are embarking on a partnership with Playworks, an organization teaching leadership skills through play on the playground.  We have a Playworks coach who visits our school one week a month.  In that time she teaches games to classrooms and then she helps implement games and fair play with our team of noon aides during recess.  She will even be training a cohort of 4th grade junior coaches to help facilitate this work across the building.

The Playworks website shares:

Why Play Matters in Schools

Play is especially important in schools. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes,“Recess serves as a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom. But equally important is the fact that safe and well-supervised recess offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it. Recess is unique from, and a complement to, physical education—not a substitute for it.”At Playworks, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, every day.

What Gets In the Way of Play

When you think of recess, do you remember laughing, playing, and having fun? Or do you remember sitting on the sidelines, getting in fights, and waiting for the bell?For many students, playtime is anything but playful.
  • Children who feel excluded or who do not know the rules play less with their peers. They have fewer opportunities for physical activity and social development.
  • Playground lessons are priceless, but kids need strategies for success. When play is too unsafe or when conflicts escalate, kids miss out on fun—and learning opportunities.
  • Children play together outside school less than they once did. By learning games and having time to play at school, kids are able to explore creativity and leadership.

While we are just beginning our journey with Playworks, I am grateful for our partnership and for our noon aides and staff.  I'm confident we can help more students find more success by uncovering and intentionally teaching the unwritten rules in our already loving, safe, respectful school.


0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home