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I think the idea of rules really speaks to an educator. We have clear rules for our classrooms, our buildings, and the society at large. We work to hold on to those rules and instill a level of respect for them with our students.
In a recent episode of the Tim Ferriss show, Noah Feldman discussed the concepts behind written constitutions (think rule lists for a classroom) and how they are overrated. I don’t mean to get into a discussion about his particular statement, but rather shine a light on the use of an analogy he made: playing catch.
When you play catch, there are rough rules which guide the game. I throw to you, you throw to me. As the catch moves along, we might throw pop ups or grounders, but in the end I throw to ball to you, and you throw it back to me.
What about the rules in our classroom- do they follow the analogy of playing catch or are they more strict? Do you have parts of each- some strictness and some looseness?
I think the concept is an interesting one to chew on, especially considering our current time and culture. Of course, we want children to respect basic rules for school and society. How often do we let them throw a pop-up or a grounder? How often do we let them make it up as they go?
I can see applications of this applied in small groups, presentations, or even whole class time. Allowing our children to govern or make rules so that they can be vigilant with themselves and with each other.
Take a few moments to consider what rules look like in your classroom. Do they evolve and change like a game of catch?
