Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Shunting the "Average"
In our reading for this week the author talks about the philosophical thoughts on games. In this section he talks about how what used to be games a long time ago has now become professional sports in our society today. His example of this is lawn tennis in the 1905 compared to professional tennis now. He makes the point that when this happens only the extremely talented and athletic are asked to play and participate. He urges us to not allow this to happen in our youth ministry; so my question to you is this: What is a practical way that we can keep our games and activities from being over-run by the athletically gifted and shunting the "average" players to the side?
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As an "average" player myself, I think it is critical to include all students in interactive and interesting games. With that said, it is important as the leader of the games to pick out an activity with the intentions of mass participation and fun. Keeping the game full of laughter and excitement will lighten up the mood of the game, which should cause those individuals more athletic than others to experience the activity in a less competitive light. When, however, there is an above average player causing unfriendly competition, I agree with what James said in class that the course of action would be to pull him or her aside and address the situation.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is important to have team building activities as a staple especially when there is such a variety of skills and abilities in any given group. The activity or game should be one that requires everyone to partake because all are valued members. For example, if the game is a relay race between two teams and everyone in those teams has to get from one side of the field to the other without touching the ground this requires the stronger to reach out and help those who are "average." Everyone gets involved and everyone is an important player. The game cannot be won without the average. Not all games can be like this but if you have a variety of activities in which all different people can succeed it will be a greater success of a night.
ReplyDeleteThose who are considered the "average" players tend to become the watchers of the game because of how much the athletic individuals take the spotlight. I find it vital to avoid any type of ranking system, or rewards system for winning when it comes to playing games, because then it takes the competitive spirit out of the picture. In class, we discussed how there is a concept called healthy competition, but in the essence of some students sitting out, while others show off, there is greater need for something to change. I think it would be safe to assume that those who sit out of games are not necessarily doing so because they do not want to physically play the game and enjoy themselves; but rather, they are either ashamed or embarrassed of the athletic abilities they posses. Presenting games to groups of students with the end goal would be a practical way to establish the true meaning of playing the game, as well as demonstrating how the game should be played. Perhaps, as a leader, one could monitor when the "competition" seems to change and provide a positive way to turn it around for the good of the students. For example, if a student playing tag grows tired, while another student is pushing him to run faster because they are on the same team and he wants to win, the leader could step in for the tired student and say, "Here! I'll help!--tag me instead." This would be a simple, yet extremely positive way to take the focus off of the competition and keep the game going, so that neither student would become the focus of attention. Instead, what has occurred, the leader would mend what brokenness and tension existed to make sure that every student felt included. Making games a group-oriented activity is healthier and more effective.
ReplyDeleteI think keeping games and activities on a level playing field for average and athletic kids has more to do with their mindsets than the actual game. I have never been athletically inclined but I had guy friends growing up who were and were also competitive, but they knew when to shut off the competitiveness (most of the time) and they also knew how to make it fair by dividing teams up equally. They wouldn't put themselves on the same team. I think just keeping groups of kids diversified athletically like that and keeping the atmosphere light through fun team names, silly chants, and no scores that remind them the activity isn't meant to be taken seriously would help. However, I agree with Amanda's comment as well. It is best to just find games that focus on mass participation and fun that haven't been tainted through schools and professional sports with intense competition and stigmas against people who aren't athletically inclined.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there are many games that can be played that don't require significant athletic ability. For me, games in ministry need to have variety. For the kid that loves athletic games, there still need to be some but there should also be intellectually stimulated games. Games that focus on teamwork are also a plus. To me, it is all about variety!
ReplyDeleteI think that putting a twist on some common games can bring out different sides of people. For instance, if some are better at word games, you could do a game with the same concept of four-square, where you are working with both athletic and intellectual aspects. Having a variety of games is also important so that different talents and abilities are brought out of the students you are working with. Keeping games fun no matter what should always be a priority as well.
ReplyDeleteAs we have discussed in the most previous class session (February 16th), it is very important that address this issue if it is arising in your youth group. One way to do that is to avoid games that draw attention to a person's physical appearance and maneuvering ability. You should also avoid making everyone in your group play the rougher game. The reluctant youth are often times the first ones injured. By shying away from these high activity games from time to time, and playing games that involve everyone's ability to work together without having dominating roles, you are able to make everyone feel as if they are participating highly while you limit the competitive aspect that can overtake certain games/environments.
ReplyDeleteOne way to keep the athletic players from taking over may be to recruit their help in creating games or adjusting games so that everyone can play. They have a better understanding of what measures can be taken to level the field for everyone. It also acknowledges their skills without forcing them to "play down" unwillingly.
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