Last Sunday, I had several kids who wanted me to play games with them. They like it when an adult takes an interest in them. Several years ago, such an incident inspired this “down to our level cartoon.”
I’ve learned that when I’m consistently in a classroom, and I take an interest in what the kids are doing, they naturally want me to participate in their activities. To me, it’s common sense. But how often do we do just that? How often do we set aside our agenda for a moment and focus on the other person?
Playing Chess With Kids
So on this past Easter Sunday, I ended up playing Sorry!, Chutes and Ladders, and chess. Yes, it was a wide variety of ages and stages. And honestly, playing chess is humbling when you are playing with a ten-year-old who knows the rules better than I do. I’m certainly not playing to win. Honestly, I couldn’t win if I tried. I’d have to brush up on the game.
My purpose isn’t to dominate over a hapless elementary-age kid. I simply want to spend time with them. In a few minutes after the game, I’ll be teaching them a lesson. The children will be far better prepared to listen when I take an interest in them.
Spending Time and Down to Our Level
When we go to the same level as the person we are trying to reach, we build a bridge. Why should any student take an interest in us and what we have to say if we aren’t willing to do the same? We are social creatures that are also very self-centered. After all, no one knows us better than ourselves.
When someone takes an interest in us, we don’t believe they are coming down to our level. Instead, we see it as coming up to ours. We are funny that way.
Therefore, it’s worth it to me to get down on the carpet, risk a back injury and play a game with a kid. That’s why I like this “down to our level cartoon.”
I drew this cartoon for Kidzmatter Magazine.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
