During East Wing meetings, the children will often lean on each other’s bodies, tap their feet, chew their shirts and push against each other. On the yards, a run and tag game usually turns into a “fall and roll around on each other” game. At times, they tag in such a way that would be lacking body awareness (What is the appropriate amount of pressure?). It’s a common developmental process that may be better explained here. In response to their need for more proprioceptive input, we introduced them to a wrestling game (created by James Cruz, Archie’s Nanny).
Though this is not a traditional wrestling game, we have borrowed its main ideas and made it more age-appropriate for the children. We wanted them to have a safe and controlled environment where they could receive the pressure they were seeking and also calm their central nervous system. We put agreements together around respect, camaraderie with the intention to express disappointment and joy more fluidly.
Game Agreements:
-Take a deep breath before entering the circle.
-Meet opponent in the middle of the circle and look in the eyes saying, “Good luck” respectfully.
-Hands on shoulders (not neck), firm grip (no squeezing), using pressure/force (but not pushing).
-3 rounds of 15 seconds each, rounds begin and end with a ‘bing’ or they end when someone touches or exists the circle or is no longer standing.
-After each match, children check in with each other and shake hands to begin the next round.
-After the three matches, the children meet in the center, make eye contact, and say, “Good game.”
Palmer: It was my first time and I was a little scared and when I did it, I lost two times and then I won once.
Luscia and Roen: I felt nervous too.
Jacob: Yesterday, I was playing with Laz. He got me out 3 times. I felt good but I didn’t like when I didn’t win.
Isla: It’s fun. I like to do it. The first time I was scared because I didn’t know what would happen.
Palmer: It’s not that hard.
Aiden: So the last time, Henry got me out of the first one and the other two times, none of us could get each other out. We were both strong enough to not get each other out.
Palmer: It doesn’t matter if someone is taller. Just because someone is taller doesn’t mean they will win.
Jacob: Nobody wins inside the game. When everyone is done, everyone shouts for the kids who don’t win. And when they do get to win, they shout for two kids (who played).
Aiden (after Theo G. got the first round): I’ve got to practice a little bit more.
password is ‘venice1987’
This game is also breaking barriers and stereotypes. At first, they assumed that the taller or older person would win but have discovered that this is a game about practicing balance, agility, and flexibility in force. Afterward, the children are centered physically and mentally as this game grants them the opportunity to connect their minds and bodies together in a fun way and work through the emotions that come with trying something challenging and experiencing what it feels like to take and lose a match.
The teachers and children have agreed that this game is to be respected and only played inside with the support of the teachers at a designated time. – Teacher Jen
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