The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach / Five Cites
Mikayla Provence, First Place
Grade 3, Branch Elementary School
Teacher: Kathy Metcalf
“That’s not fair!”“Bad call!” “You don’t know how to play this game!” These are some words that can break friendships. And unfortunately, they are also words spoken often during a game of four-square at my school. When choosing my words, I want to be sure I am being a good friend. One way to do that is to use the 4-way test.
If you are using the 4-way test , it won’t take away friendship, it will create friendships. One of the problems in four-square is that people make up rules. Sometimes, people compliment people when they don’t mean it. They do this so that person won’t get them out. Is this fair to all concerned? No. Will it build good will and better friendship? No. Will it be fair to everyone? No. But if you were to switch it around everyone would be happy. This is an example of the 4-way test. It would be fair, good will, better friendship and beneficial to everyone involved.
Arguments in four-square is tough not only for the students, but also for the teachers. Some of the kids bring silly, or unfair, problems into the classroom. When people do this it takes away learning time. This is interrupting to the teachers. Children should be able to use the 4-way test to work it out themselves. It’s not fair that the teachers have to work it out.
The 4-way test is a great way to help people work out problems in four square at my school. If we all used the 4-way test, we would all be happy and get along much better.