I teach gym and recess to 4-8 year olds. I understand the impulse to ban a game that is creating so much conflict on the playground. However, Four Square is such a great game, and it can be so much fun, that it would be a shame to ban is forever. I agree with Sean's recommendations to tighten the rules. I would have the kids who play regularly be a part of that conversation so that they can buy into the rules. Also, they may have a rule that for them is tried and true that you may not know about, so if you try to change it, without even intending to, you could just end up causing more conflict.
Once the rules of the game are established, also go over expectations for behavior- sportsmanship and the "spirit of the game". Then, when you're ref-ing the game, if a kid (or 2 or 3) are not behaving themselves, give them a warning to let them know that they have one more chance to fix their behavior or attitude, or they will loose Four Square privilages for a the rest of the day (or a week if they're repeat offenders). If they fix their behavior, great, if they don't then they have soem time to think about it. This way, the other kids get a break from the explosive behavior and the angry kid has some motivation to fix his behavior. It also means that those kids who can play well together, still get to play. It is important, though, to have ref there to make calls, ask for do-overs if there are conflicting opinions or call for "challenge" between two people.
Email me. I'd like to interview you about the custom-rules/"minigames" as we had them too, but apparently many places didnt. I am doing some amateur anthropological work on the phenomenon and would like to ask more of what you remember, where your school was, etc..
Anonymous (not verified)
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1 year 17 weeks ago
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where are the GOOD four square players?
Anonymous (not verified)
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1 year 22 weeks ago
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Second from right, top row. Justine Petrillo of Cambridge, MA.
Anonymous (not verified)
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1 year 22 weeks ago
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So which of these loveable young ladies is the current reigning world champion??
Anonymous (not verified)
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1 year 22 weeks ago
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And here is another in your area, can you check this one out and let us know what the heck is up there? The lines are all whacko but it looks promising:
I'm pretty sure those are badmitten, I've never seen four square there, and I live rather close to that rec. center. I will definately go make sure those. Thank you so much :)
Hi,
I teach gym and recess to 4-8 year olds. I understand the impulse to ban a game that is creating so much conflict on the playground. However, Four Square is such a great game, and it can be so much fun, that it would be a shame to ban is forever. I agree with Sean's recommendations to tighten the rules. I would have the kids who play regularly be a part of that conversation so that they can buy into the rules. Also, they may have a rule that for them is tried and true that you may not know about, so if you try to change it, without even intending to, you could just end up causing more conflict.
Once the rules of the game are established, also go over expectations for behavior- sportsmanship and the "spirit of the game". Then, when you're ref-ing the game, if a kid (or 2 or 3) are not behaving themselves, give them a warning to let them know that they have one more chance to fix their behavior or attitude, or they will loose Four Square privilages for a the rest of the day (or a week if they're repeat offenders). If they fix their behavior, great, if they don't then they have soem time to think about it. This way, the other kids get a break from the explosive behavior and the angry kid has some motivation to fix his behavior. It also means that those kids who can play well together, still get to play. It is important, though, to have ref there to make calls, ask for do-overs if there are conflicting opinions or call for "challenge" between two people.
Have fun!
Didn't see another post for today (5/10) so I'm not sure if it's happening but hope to see some people out on the court!
Email me. I'd like to interview you about the custom-rules/"minigames" as we had them too, but apparently many places didnt. I am doing some amateur anthropological work on the phenomenon and would like to ask more of what you remember, where your school was, etc..
where are the GOOD four square players?
Second from right, top row. Justine Petrillo of Cambridge, MA.
Tell us about it Downunder!
So which of these loveable young ladies is the current reigning world champion??
And here is another in your area, can you check this one out and let us know what the heck is up there? The lines are all whacko but it looks promising:
http://www.squarefour.org/node/802
Actually, they are four square courts. good hunting! I will have to check the size though.
I'm pretty sure those are badmitten, I've never seen four square there, and I live rather close to that rec. center. I will definately go make sure those. Thank you so much :)