Let Them Play

As expected,  when moving to a new site time is required  to learn the culture.  I have thoroughly enjoyed developing an understanding of the how and why things are the way they are here at Westcot.  Sometimes the answers to my queries about why we do things the way we do them are;  “ I’m not sure.”   “ That’s just the way it has always been”,    “ Good question.”  And more  often,  there are detailed explanations that have helped me to appreciate our processes.

It has been my experience, not just here at Westcot,   but for as long as I have worked in schools in two provinces and in many different settings that numerous questions from staff, parents and students focus on the “Do you allow…?”  Whether Pokemon,  Beanie Boos, Shopkins,  Minecraft, Silly Banz, My Little Pony,  Skykander ,  these things kids (and not only kids) get really excited about often create angst and with angst there are those that want to create rules and restrictions to control and oftentimes,  stifle the play.

In my observation, as treasured collections grow, our students  plan, strategize, problem solve  and research their objects of interest, sometimes obsessively.  I have over heard the plotting, witnessed the trading and in watching carefully,  marvel at the creative play,  complex collaboration and negotiating skills around the play.

Educationally, I see our students reading strategy guides, searching online to research, making and watching video tutorials…  I see passion and engagement. In talking with parents and teachers K-12,  I often hear that students are apathetic and disengaged and  don’t get excited about anything.   Rather than over managing and regulating the energy and appetite of our young collectors,  I have attempted to share in the fun.  Why squash the energy when I learn so much by sharing in the interest and learning more about what is so intriguing to the players?

Our students don’t just get excited about anything.   Tapping the interest and passion of our students,   creative teachers leverage the interests.  Over the years I have seen Egyptian God trading cards, Flat Stanley travel around the world and the creation of new worlds to ‘teach’ mapping and government studies. I recently read about a teacher Joel Levin on twitter @MinecraftTeachr  who has embarked on a Minecarft journey  that is truly inspiring.

So, unless Minecraft, Transformers, Battle Bots, Littlest Pet Shop and whatever else begins to trend among our students seriously begins to interfere with  their healthy functioning  I want to take a little time to obsess along with them, just a little, and share in the interest and maybe leverage it all a little.

Happy playing!