CYBER SALE! ➔
Over the years as an SLP, when I have pulled out a game, I have experienced the typical “What do I get if I win the game?”. Of course, I always respond “A smile, high five and great job!” Usually, that nipped that question in the bud. The kids figured out that we were going to play games just to play games because they are a FUN activity to do. When I was working with elementary students, that question didn’t bother me. I guess I just expected it to happen from time to time because smaller kids say whatever is on their minds.
Now that I am working with middle school, it truly annoys me when one of my students says “What do I get if I win this game?” I think it’s because they are old enough to know that saying things like that can come across “rude”, “greedy” and “ungrateful”. I figure they either don’t understand that concept yet or they don’t care that they are making that impression. A couple of students asked me that question when I pulled out a game, I replied with my game winning response “A smile, high five and great job!” The student didn’t get the message. Next week rolls around and the question is asked AGAIN! I repeated my famous line and then said “Don’t you play games at home just for fun with your family?” Of course the student responds “No.”
The fun questions don’t just stop when we play games. I have had middle schoolers ask me this year “So, what do I get if I finish this worksheet?” or “Do I get a bag of chips if I practice these 20 words?”, knowing full well, what my incentive guidelines are for receiving anything extra beyond my winning smile and killer language skills.
I remember playing games all the time at home for fun without any incentives other than BEATING the other person (slightly competitive). So, I don’t understand why students “want” something other than winning or having fun while playing a game. Instead of fighting the big “why”, I decided to find a way to wittingly approach this scenario to STOP the questions and expectations!!
Needless to say, I don’t want to be annoyed every time a middle school student asks me these types of questions, so I needed to come up with something that I could have on hand, ready to whip out at any moment. Then, an amazing thought popped into my head……everyone loves getting a thoughtful, personalized, encouraging note from someone!
During one of my language sessions, I decided to try out my plan. I was a like a little kid in a candy shop waiting until the game of UNO was finished! What was even better was the student who is always asking me these “what” questions WON the game!! As the students were getting up to leave, I said “Oh, I almost forgot. I really took to heart you wanting something when you win games and I have something really special for you. I wrote you a note and I signed it too, so you’ll never forget our time together. You got mad skills with that UNO game (added some sarcasm to my tone with a big smile).” All the students started chuckling and I, of course, made sure give the student a hug on her way out to let her know that I love all her antics.
I haven’t heard that question from that particular student since, but I am planning on continuing this fun charade throughout the year! These are also fun to give just as a quick way to show a student you care without getting all mushy and drawn out conversation (middle schoolers aren’t interested). This has really helped me to curb my annoyance and enjoy my middle schoolers. What do you do to help stay positive with your students? Grab this FREE download HERE!
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