justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Always picked last – or not at all!

Picture your teacher taking your class out to PE. She selects two students – two of the best athletes and usually boys - to pick two teams for kickball. Sound familiar?  How did this dynamic play out in the development of your self-concept through your early years of school?

Were you the one who was picked last, possibly because you were the least coordinated, marginally skilled, or the one least “liked” by others? You might even have been picked last because you were a girl!

As this story is repeated throughout my many years of school, the person who was “last picked” just might develop an inferiority complex. They might find a way to act out his or her anger at being embarrassed, at being singled out, at feeling not liked, or even feeling not wanted.

Thankfully, experiencing this type of slight passes with time for many people. For others though, it might remain a contributing factor to how someone looks at himself or herself. These experiences, while seen as minor by many, could result in a lasting dislike for competitive games. This is especially true when a skilled teacher or coach misses an opportunity to bolster confidence by addressing the particular lack of skill - or to use a less-punitive method for selecting teams.

Does this result in a dislike for games or sports? Does this feeling of being rejected or not valued carry over into one’s overall feelings of worth and self-concept?

What were your experiences concerning participation in team PE activities at school?