In the Game?

“Devices down,” Matt shouts.    “I said DD (devices down) everyone!” 

Sounding like he was about to melt down, I headed into the kitchen.   “What’s going on everyone?” I asked observing all the bent heads. 

“We are playing Clue, but everyone is texting,” ten year old Matt complained.  “It’s like playing a game all by myself.” 

Whether they are aware or not, they are sending him the silent message that playing Clue with him is not as engaging as what is going on in their network.  He is quickly annoyed that they are so tuned out , so much they must be prompted when their turn rolls around.  They are drawn into their virtual world to the exclusion of the real live people sitting next to them in the same room. 

Being checked out can happen without a device too!  Kids are great judges of people who are present in the present moment and those who are not.  They can spot those who are just going through the motions anywhere. 

One of the best places to spot them in my profession, education, is out at recess.   Many teachers supervise recess, but rarely get in the game.  Often they find themselves managing kids rather than engaging with them, and the kids spot that in a heartbeat. 

Compare that to putting on tennis shoes and playing with the students during recess. My daughter had this heartwarming story to share after one of her days as a para at summer school. She had observed many squabbles on the soccer field earlier this week and today was her day to be on the field.  Everyone wanted her to be on their team! It was a tough job just getting the teams set up.  She put one of the mischievous boys on her team. 

“Wow, Miss Megan, what a shot,” the third grade boy said in awe in the middle of morning recess.  “The ball just swirled in the air and went right in the goal. You are awesome!”  

“Thanks,” she said and ran along by his side up the field.  “I’m passing it to you this time.” 

He grinned beaming in admiration and the soccer game continued ending in a tie.

After recess, he rotated to her center in the classroom where the challenge shifted from scoring goals to writing a letter to a pen pal. 

“I’m out of ideas,” he complained loudly.   “I don’t want to write.”  He sat with a frown on his face, arms crossed and dared her to make him write. 

“I know,” Miss Megan said with a bright smile.  “You can tell him all about playing soccer at recess! Write him about all the details of our amazing game.  I can't wait to see the game through your eyes.”

“Oh, yeah,” he grinned at her, as he picked his his pencil, and began to fill the page with the story.  At the end of the day, he handed in his letter to his teacher.

“Wow, I am really impressed at how much more you wrote this time,” said his teacher with a smile. 

 Miss Megan smiled too!  Being a part of the soccer game at recess had many rewards.  It was a powerful way for her to build relationships with the kids since she was completely engaged in the game.  This connection allowed her to make a writing assignment purposeful and fun for her student!  Being in the game is a win - win for everyone!