During the winter months a game evolved on the playground. A game that involved stealing someone’s hat. To some this game was great fun and to others it was a real problem. We noticed a division happening within the group. We heard language used to describe classmates as “good” or “bad” and “mean” or “nice.” We also saw mixed messages being sent; smiling faces were coupled with shouts of “I’m not playing!”
In an effort to create understanding amongst the group, we teachers posed a question, “How do you know if someone is playing the game?” The children have been studying this for many months. The above photo is of their efforts to create a sign or a signal for others to understand your position on the playground. Red if you are not playing the game and green if you are.
Mine’s a belt. It will stay on more.
Stop! Stop! Stop! (pushing buttons) AVIA
It fits!
This is mine. SOFIA
Nice. HELEN
I have finished my belt. I am not playing the game. When I am playing the game I will wear my green sweater. CHARLOTTE
G-O. (written on belt) Why do you need to write go if it is green? So if you’re color blind you can know. NICO
You have to measure it. CHARLOTTE
Below is an excerpt of two children working on their belts –
Big, medium, small (buttons). Eleanor
Look I did it. I’m a really good at sewing. If I keep doing this I’ll be a sewer. Avia
Sometimes you go through double holes (on the buttons). Avia
I’m not done with this button yet. Eleanor
Now the bunny has to dig, dig, dig, dig. Bunny goes down into the ground to get his other friends. Eleanor
Oh no, my tail got tangled. This is a chocolate home. Yummy. Avia
Two more buttons! Avia
Now the bunny went through a rock! (needle hits a button’s edge) Eleanor
