Do you think there’s something to learn from the chaos that’s unleashed during playtime?
Most of the adults will not agree, some will nod their heads in disbelief that someone can even think this possible.
But before you move on, ask yourself what image does the word discipline conjure in your minds.
Neat desks, completed worksheets, following instructions, sitting quietly, and paying attention. Yes, that’s what’s expected but is actually not the reality.
Children can’t be expected to learn when they’re cooped up inside a box, asked to shut down their minds, and follow the flock.
Running around, changing strategies, arguing about rules, making split second decisions, and generally creating what looks like disorder is where they’re learning about discipline.
Discipline is a mindset which can be learned even in the in the messy and unpredictable games children play.
The Hidden Mental Work Behind Play
This idea germinated when I saw a group of children playing pittu (or seven stones).
On the surface, it looked simple. Lots of laughter and shouts and strategies and instructions. But beneath all that, their brains were doing some serious work.
They were planning, predicting, remembering, adapting, making decisions. All simultaneously and under uncertainty.
They were constantly processing information in real time, and adjusting their behaviour based on what would happen next.
Now that was executive functioning in action.
Their use of mental skills helped them manage attention of the other kids, control impulses, solve problems on the go, and make snap decisions. And these were skills that need discipline.
Chaos Builds Cognitive Flexibility
The real value of games is their unpredictability, not entertainment, not engagement.
The worksheets they solve in the classroom have expected answers, and hence are predictable. But the games aren’t.
When they’re playing, the child may begin with one plan and then be forced to abandon it moments later.
The teammate may change strategy, shifting the rules or roles, or an opponent may do something unexpected.
The child learns to think on their feet, recover fast from the mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances. Success requires flexibility.
These experiences playing strengthen their cognitive flexibility.
Their ability to shift perspectives and respond effectively as per the changing situations builds something long term inside them.
It teaches them may be one of the most important skills a child can develop. The discipline to adapt to changes. Especially in a world where change is constant.
The Playground Is a Leadership Lab
This learning is not restricted to just the field or playground. It can be a card game, or even a board game.
What leaders do in boardrooms is not very different from what children do in playgrounds.
They’re managing uncertainty, evaluating options, negotiating with others, taking calculated risks, making decisions with incomplete information, and recovering from setbacks.
Similar games are played during corporate workshops for team building, leadership, or communication.
Children practice these skills unknowingly when they’re playing, doesn’t matter what. They learn to create structure within disorder.
It may look like fun but actually they’re learning to think.
Don’t Stop Them From Playing
So, my request is to stop complaining that the kids are making too much noise when they play. Don’t dismiss it as unproductive. They’re learning about managing life.
And you must desist the urge to intervene and restore order. Let them figure it out.
That unstructured play has a purpose.
Discipline isn’t always built through order. Sometimes it’s built by learning to create order from the unpredictability..
Children will learn more about life, life skills, and discipline through the games than in the classroom.
After all learning to adapt during play is learning, a form of discipline far more useful than simple obedience.
