They had thirty minutes to write a response to “Playing games is fun only when you win.”  They could either agree or disagree with the statement, and were supposed to make their argument in about 300 words.  Of the four students, only one disagreed with the statement; the other three chose to agree. And none of them actually used the word “fun.”  They focused on the skills you can learn while practicing games, the prestige and honor you earn when you win, and how shameful it can be to lose.

Caught off guard, Matt and I tried to tease out a little more information.

“If you make a list of all the things that are fun about playing a game, what would be on the list?”

Blank stares.  “Winning?”

“Is that it? What about spending time with friends or family, or having good competition, or laughing?”

There were some slow nods, though perhaps more out of trying to please the teachers than actually agreeing that playing games for the sake of playing games can be…fun.  They might be amazed to come over to my house and see that Michael and I spend most of our free time playing cards or bananagrams or some such. (And yes, when I packed, some precious luggage space went to games. Because they’re FUN.)

I’d been told that Korean children are under tremendous amounts of pressure, but it really came into focus for me yesterday.  Of those same four students, two wake up by 5am every morning, another by 6am, and the last sleeps in until 6:30am, but only because she’s always the last one awake at home to try to finish all her studying.  I’m all for a strong work ethic, but I’m a big believer in laughter and levity, too.  Which is why I’m going to try really hard to find a way to incorporate our piggy koosh ball into my classes.  I’m sure I’ll be met with curious stares, but I’ll be laughing on my end.