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.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

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.

 

 

Follow and Share on Social Media!

Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
0 Shares

Tags: , , , , ,

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. Tina August 6, 2018 Reply

    You have such wonderful and imaginative ways to teach your students! I love baseball games.

  4. Heidi August 4, 2018 Reply

    Some people really love baseball! I use to play softball in High School – didn’t really like it much lol

  5. Hannah Kliza August 4, 2018 Reply

    Nice post, We just took the boys to their first baseball game on the 4th of July. They’re a little young to appreciate the game but they had a good time being outdoors with snacks and taking in all the crowd reactions, good times!

  6. T.M. Brown August 4, 2018 Reply

    I love how you incorporated the theme into the classroom and how all the kids were able to learn from it. This would have been a gem of a theme for my boys ~ especially the oldest, who is all about sports.

  7. Stacey August 4, 2018 Reply

    It’s great when you can find those ways to connect to kids. I like baseball, and we’ve been to some of our minor league games in town. Good times!

  8. Lorna @ Gin & Lemonade August 4, 2018 Reply

    I bet you’re your students favorite teacher. They will remember you forever. P.S. I LOVE baseball. My Scottish husband doesn’t understand, ha!

  9. Stephanie August 3, 2018 Reply

    What a fun school theme! I have no doubt your students loved it and got really into it.

  10. Christa August 3, 2018 Reply

    What a great way to build excitement and comarademie. As a parent, I love when teachers add personal touches.

  11. Katie August 3, 2018 Reply

    I love that this makes it fun, but doesn’t make them expect prizes! Stealing this!

Leave a Reply