Amphibians and Two Game Structures Learning about frogs through active, outdoor games. By Edith Couchman W
HY SHOULD CHILDREN LISTEN when we offer to share information about nature? If we tell them clearly that we’re trying to transmit TRUE
stories about the world in which they live, will they gain interest and actually pay attention? If we explain to them that knowing about non-human beings is vital because, in fact, their own individual lives are linked in profound ways to the lives of all inhabitants of the planet, will they try to understand? If we urge them to listen because we are paren- tally-sanctioned ‘Teachers’ and their families and communi- ties want them to learn what we’re trying to teach, will this motivate them? Perhaps it will if we’re lucky. More likely it will not. Our rationales and appeals to youngsters’ sense of won-
der and connection with the natural world may go unheeded, depending on each child’s emotional context and individual history of socialization. If we try to catch a child’s attention by threatening negative consequences, the attention we’ll
get will be sullen and resentful—not listening or learning of the best sort. However, if we invite students to play a genu- inely engaging game with their friends that respects their developmental priorities, aren’t they more likely to follow along? Won’t a few more actually try to tune into the stream of words and distill these sounds into ideas and actions? I would wager that they will, and here are examples of two simple, almost archetypal games which together can be adapted to create opportunities for empathetic and enjoyable learning about animal life on earth.
Frog Fortunes
Following a field trip to a wetland or some class time spent studying various amphibians, give your students an oppor- tunity to try this activity. It’s best conducted outdoors but can easily be adapted to the confines of a classroom as needed. Students form teams that impersonate various species of frogs. Three or four frog teams work well, but if it’s a small class, two will suffice (teams need not be evenly divided). The assortment that I enjoy includes: green frogs,
GREEN TEACHER 93 Page 11
Edith Couchman
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