Baseball . . . America’s Sport!

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd . . . ahhhh, nothing like spending an afternoon at the ballpark!  While in Seattle, we took in a MLB Seattle Mariner vs. San Fransico Giants baseball game. Blue skies, hot weather, and sunscreen were certainly in order for this event.

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sports, classroom management
Our view from center field – perfect place for those home run baseball catches! Gloves are ready!!

 

We sat in center field, in hopes of catching a home run ball.  It was fun to watch the professional players play the game with skill and strategy.  I remember playing baseball, but don’t recall using strategy to win the game.  Who knew there was so much more to the sport.

A sports theme or sports twist is something that I always include in my classroom – whether classroom management or academic. Friendly competition is good for students to experience.  We all can’t be winners, sometimes we fail, BUT it is what we learn from our failing that propels us to success.

 

For several years, I used sports as my classroom theme.  I even developed a classroom management program around sports where teams played each other throughout the week.  It was a lot of fun for me and the kids.  I knew that my fourth graders were beginning to get involved in sports at school (and outside of school), so this would be a great way to engage all students.  Although there are many, many sports to choose from, I focused on the three that I know the most about:  football, basketball, and baseball.

Besides having fun playing games during class, the other important piece of my sports theme was for the kids to get to know me.  I grew up in Ohio and am a huge Ohio State buckeye fan!  After the first day of my call back response (OH – IO), the kids figured out that we were spelling OHIO.  It wasn’t long before I brought out the football field and explained the game, rules, and how to play/win the game in class.  The kids loved this aspect of our classroom.  It became even more fun as kids started sharing teams that they rooted for throughout the year.  A little friendly competition . . . even with the teacher.  YES please!!

sports theme classroom management

 

While using a sports theme generated some friendly competition throughout the year, the kids learned about teamwork, turning a failure into success, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and working hard for the good of all.  The students didn’t expect to earn a prize for everything that they did because they were developing intrinsic motivation and feelings of self satisfaction.

Are you a sports fan? Do you have some fun hobbies? Regardless of what your specialty, you can easily use this as part of your classroom management program.  Best of all, the kids get to know YOU as a real person AND your relationship is more significant.

 

We all can’t be winners, sometimes we fail,

BUT it is what we learn from our failing

that projects us to success.

 

 

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Annette Durbin

Annette has been an educator for more than 30 years working in the PK-6 elementary classroom, K-12 multi-language learner instructional specialist, district leadership, university professor, as well as a mentor for teachers nationwide. A National Board Certificated Teacher, Annette focuses her research on accelerating learning and advancing achievement, personalizing instruction, technology, and leadership in the education field.

This Post Has 32 Comments

  2. jennifer August 3, 2018 Reply

    What a great idea!!! I love it when lessons are taught out of the box! It really makes learners so hungry!

    1. Annette Durbin August 11, 2018 Reply

      OOOHHH YES, Jennifer!! Any starving they are to have fun and learn!!

      Thanks for stopping by!!

      ~ Annette

  3. Naomi August 3, 2018 Reply

    Hi Annette! I wish you were my teacher, your class sound fun. I like how you think outside the box and find interesting ways to teach.

    1. Annette Durbin August 11, 2018 Reply

      Awww, thanks, Naomi! Spending the day being bored is NO fun for anyone! Anyway to inspire the kids is a great place to be thinking.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      ~ Annette

  4. Ina @ Crafty For Home August 3, 2018 Reply

    I bet the kids in the class engaging more with the lesson you provide using your strategy.

    1. Annette Durbin August 11, 2018 Reply

      Hello Ina, the kids are totally “in”! Oftentimes it is challenging to engage boys – especially in literacy – so adding the sports twist is right up their alley!

      ~ Annette

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      Thanks, Tricia. Connecting with the kiddos at this age is very important.

      ~ Annette

  6. Gail August 2, 2018 Reply

    I don’t remember if my teachers had a theme?!?!?

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      Some teachers do and some don’t, Gail. Total teacher preference. This is just a great way to build relationships and have fun with the kids. Thanks for stopping by!

      ~ Annette

  7. Jocelyn August 2, 2018 Reply

    What a fun theme for your class! Great way to introduce yourself and get the kids involved.

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      Thanks, Jocelyn! We always have a lot of fun!!!

      Take care,
      ~ Annette

  8. Nikki August 2, 2018 Reply

    I’m a big Baseball Fan – Milwaukee Brewers – Brew Crew Fan here! Great concept using Baseball (sports) in your classroom; anything to get and keep the kids interested.

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      That’s exactly right, Nikki. When the teams play each other, to get the touchdown, homerun, or 3 pointer, the team had to answer academic (review daily/weekly lessons) questions, in order to earn the points. Discipline was push ups, sit ups, etc. Kids loved it!

      ~ Annette

  9. Pam August 2, 2018 Reply

    What a great way to get the interest of kids – I know my son and his friends are always ready to listen to anything about sports!

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      Yes, Pam!! This is a great way to connect with all the kiddos.

      ~ Annette

  10. Samantha August 2, 2018 Reply

    It’s awesome to see some of the strategies you use in the classroom. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      Thanks, Samanatha. I enjoy sharing what works and hope it can work for others.
      Thanks for stopping by.

      ~ Annette

  11. Melissa Parcel August 2, 2018 Reply

    Have to say, we are band-wagoners when it comes to baseball. The Mariners are doing so well this year!

    1. Annette Durbin August 2, 2018 Reply

      LOL, Melissa. We are really Indian fans (Cleveland, Ohio), but love flying into SEA (from Alaska) to catch a game when we can.

      ~ Annette

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