Sports: More Than Just a Game
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about sports and games.
- Talk about the rules and strategies of sports.
- Read about a surprising sports team.
- Listen to a sports expert talk about how basketball has changed.
- Write about how fans can affect sports teams.
Key Words:
- Strategy: A plan for how to win a game.
- Rules: Instructions that tell players what they can and cannot do.
- Team spirit: A feeling of unity and excitement within a team.
- Underdog: A team or player that is expected to lose.
- Fan: Someone who really likes a sport or team.
New Sports Words:
- Offside (soccer): A rule that says a player can’t be closer to the other team’s goal than the ball unless another player is between them.
- MVP (Most Valuable Player): An award given to the best player in a game or season.
- Huddle (American football): When a team gets together to talk secretly about their next play.
- Grand Slam (tennis or golf): When someone wins all four major tournaments in a year.
- Tifo: A big display made by fans with flags or signs in a stadium.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What is a sport you know a lot about? What are the rules? What are some important strategies?
- Have you ever been part of a team? What was it like?
- Why do you think people like to be sports fans?
Let’s Read!
In 2016, a small country called Iceland surprised everyone in the European Championship soccer tournament. No one thought they would do well, but they used teamwork and clever strategies to win games against much bigger countries!
Questions about the Reading:
- Why was Iceland’s success surprising?
- What helped them do well?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a sports expert talking about how basketball has changed over time. Focus on how new rules and new ways of playing have made the game different.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a sports coach. The other is a new player. The coach explains some basic rules and strategies for the sport.
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about how fans can help their team win. (Cheer them on, make the stadium loud, show their support.)
Extra Fun:
If you can, watch a sports game together as a class! Talk about the strategies the teams are using and cheer on your favorite players.
