Why Challenges Matter: Turning Fun into Growth

Henry is a unique child with endless energy. He can't sit still for more than two minutes, and his world is full of movement. He's the type of kid who, with his slim body, seems to have one goal: to enjoy life as much as possible, to play, talk, and sometimes learn something. For him, school isn't just a place for classes; it's a space to socialize, laugh, and most of all, have fun.

"Teacher, what are we doing today? I hope it’s something fun!"

"Can I help with something?"

"Should I bring something from the class next door?"

Henry not only offers to help with everything, but he also knows all the teachers and staff in the school. He’s my personal messenger, the one who delivers and brings messages around the school. And if I ever take that job away from him, he would never forgive me!

"Sure, Henry, today we’ll have an activity that you’ll love."

"What is it, teacher? A game? A competition?"

"Yes, it’s a challenge."

"That sounds awesome! Let’s go to the park! What time does it start?"

On the other hand, there’s Manuel, who arrives to class with a calmness that’s almost contagious. He’s observant, paying attention to what others are doing, but he seems distant, as if he’s surrounded by energy he doesn't understand. For him, many of the kids in the class are a little “crazy.” He doesn’t like change; if something out of the ordinary happens in the routine, he gets frustrated or in a bad mood.

"It’s really cold outside today, teacher. I only like math challenges, I don’t like the rest. Plus, challenges sometimes make you do things you don’t want to."

I took the opportunity to ask the group:

"How about you, do you like challenges?"

Most responded enthusiastically: "Yes!"

Manuel, seriously, said:

"You don’t understand what a challenge means, do you?"

Henry, always quick to answer, said:

"It’s a game, that’s it!"

"No, a challenge isn’t a game. A challenge is something that makes you try harder. And if you don’t, you lose something."

Henry, smiling, replied:

"That’s not a game! If you play, you win, and if you don’t, you lose."

Manuel, with a challenging look, said:

"A challenge is staying still and not talking all day. Does that sound fun to you?"

Henry, laughing, answered:

"That’s a punishment, not a challenge. Some games are boring, and some are fun."

In the end, after several opinions, we concluded that while a challenge and a game may seem very different, they actually have a lot in common. The only difference is the purpose: a challenge aims for improvement and results, while a game focuses on enjoying the process. However, both can complement each other.

Then, I thought of a challenge for this Christmas, something that would help us grow and be better. The idea wasn’t as popular as if it had been a game, but I decided to make it fun.

Henry, enthusiastic as always, suggested:

"Let’s do a challenge to jump higher or get more points in a soccer game!"

Many kids replied:

"That’s what you like, Henry! Not so much for us."

That’s when I decided to propose a different challenge, one that would help us become better people. Henry wasn’t as excited, but some others were. I proposed a kindness challenge: to see if we could finish the year with a different kind of learning, starting a new cycle full of kindness among us.

Henry, with his usual voice tone, already knew what was coming:

"I knew it, I knew these challenges always have their boring side."

"Come on, Henry! You haven’t even started, and it already seems boring. I think the kids need to understand why the challenges, which I call 'Growth Challenges,' help us get to know ourselves and think about things we didn’t even know existed in us."

It was at that moment when Manuel, with his serious and thoughtful expression, raised his hand and, looking at Henry, said: "I do like those challenges, teacher. They’re interesting."

I explained to them that personal challenges are key to growth. I told them about the importance of accepting challenges that help us become better people. This would not only help them get to know themselves but also become more empathetic, responsible, and with a stronger character.

I proposed something that had worked the previous year with another group: the Muffin Challenge, a kindness challenge. In this challenge, students completed a small book where they wrote down every act of kindness they did for themselves or others. As they wrote, the muffin in the book would get smaller, as if someone had been taking bites. The student who “ate” the most muffins, meaning the one who did the most acts of kindness, would win.

The kids loved the idea because, besides being a challenge, it was a game. I always make sure they understand that competition is not just against others, but also against oneself, to be better than yesterday, with joy and enthusiasm, without falling into comparison or envy.

I remember how my students documented their acts of kindness, actively reflecting on their behavior. This exercise motivated them to recognize the positive impact of their actions, both on themselves and on others. The visual representation of the muffin getting smaller reinforced the idea that being kind is a reward in itself. This challenge taught them the importance of making an effort and being consistent to achieve a positive goal.

I encourage you to promote these types of challenges in your classes, where students don’t just compete for cognitive or motor skills but also for socio-emotional skills, fostering harmonious coexistence and personal development.

Because sometimes, a challenge is just an excuse to improve together.

Why Growth Challenges Matter in Your Classroom:

Before I end, here are some key reasons why growth challenges are so important in your classroom, and what your students can gain from them:

Fosters Personal Growth:

By tackling challenges tied to values, students develop self-awareness, empathy, and integrity. These activities nurture their emotional intelligence and character, which are crucial for personal success.

Builds a Positive Classroom Culture:

Challenges centered on values promote collaboration, respect, and trust among students. This creates a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.

Strengthens Decision-Making Skills:

Facing situations that test their honesty, responsibility, or kindness teaches students to think critically and make ethical choices. This skill benefits them in both academic and personal contexts.

Prepares Students for Future Roles:

Values-based challenges equip students with the moral foundation needed for leadership, teamwork, and societal contributions. They learn to navigate real-world situations with integrity and compassion.

In the end, challenges not only help us reach goals but also allow us to discover the best parts of ourselves. Invite your students to face them with courage and joy, because each challenge is an opportunity to grow together!