Dodge ball may be a favorite or yours, but throwing a ball at someone can encourage picking on people. I see no problem with school districts opting for more cooperative games- do you find that a problem? I don't see that as politically correct, I see it as efficient, and making sure that games are not included which might lead to bullying. I feel anything you can do to minimize bullying and encourage cooperation, helps a cooperative learning atmosphere in the classroom. I rely on a lot on peer to peer learning. I need my kids to feel they can all depend on one another.
The kids at our school used to play football every recess (mostly boys). One of the children in my class lost 4 teeth doings this (another child's head hit his mouth). We also had a broken nose, a broken arm, lots of minor injuries and (more importantly, imo) many fights. We no longer play football at recess. I applaud that decision. I frequently had to break up fights on the football field and I don't have to do that anymore. The fights were amazingly emotional. I'll never forget one little boy who I saw punch and attack another child. When I came over all the little boys were saying "john hit him, john hit him." John the attacker was the only one screaming something else. He was yelling "He blitzed twice, he blitzed twice." He was perfectly willing to admit he attacked the other kid, but he thought it was totally justified. As we walked to the principal's office I asked him if we were playing Monopoly and if he cheated if it would be ok for me to punch him in the nose. He decided that wouldn't be ok. He FINALLY, at that point, got the message. But is was way too late. Now he has a step. And that goes on your file at our school. |
