Kids like to play? What? No way?!

Common sense is not the reason for behavior change. You read that right. Is NOT. Although we have a tendency to believe that if we have common sense, what could steer us wrong?! Jeni Cross’ last statement in her video will forever receive a jaw dropping response. “But you will be the least successful, if you let common sense be your guide.” The crowd laughed. I laughed. After listening to her video, I understand this statement she makes, but I still find it shocking how true it is. I think if I were to paste that up on my wall in my classroom, my principal may leave a note on my desk telling me to fix that typo.

The desired results I would like to see in my project is that play-based learning does serve a purpose for my students. Although it may not produce immediate data like a CBA would, it will show growth in my students in other forms.

So here’s the first strategy for finding those oh-so-valuable vital behaviors.

Look for behaviors that are both obvious and underused.

These are actions that lead directly to the desired results and often come with a big “Duhhh!”

But they are also typically underused—not because we’re morons,

but because the behaviors can be exceptionally difficult or unpleasant.

After reading this strategy, I thought of how obvious it is that kids like to play. It’s not a shocking discovery. It’s not a surprise. That idea isn’t one that I came up with on my own. Kids like to play. Period. It seems as if this needs to be backed up by data to be proven to be correct. Wait, what?! I feel as if that’s the point that is trying to be made. People tend to miss what’s right in front of them because they’re always looking for the next best thing. Nothing can replace hands on authentic playing. I know there’s an argument for that, but allowing a child to explore and make this world their own cannot be replaced or replicated by something people think is better.

Grenny, Joseph; Grenny, Joseph; Patterson, Kerry; Patterson, Kerry; Maxfield, David; Maxfield, David; McMillan, Ron; McMillan, Ron; Switzler, Al; Switzler, Al. Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change, Second Edition (p. 48). McGraw-Hill Education. Kindle Edition.