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ideas?
Jan 21, 2008 11:13:53 GMT -6
Post by superpower on Jan 21, 2008 11:13:53 GMT -6
Coaches,
During the dreaded state assessments this year, we are attempting to lighten things up with our high school kids by having a day of alternative classes. Each teacher has been asked to choose a topic that he or she is passionate about and create a class of 60-90 minutes for small groups of interested students. I would like to do something with football: the history of the game, the evolution of the game, how it has become so important to the American culture.
Do any of you have any suggestions on what direction to take and where to begin searching for information? I would like to create a powerpoint presentation with photos and video. I think the hardest thing will be limiting the information to stay within the time limits.
Thanks.
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ideas?
Jan 21, 2008 11:27:53 GMT -6
Post by wingt74 on Jan 21, 2008 11:27:53 GMT -6
What are your goals?
Do you care if Susie-cheerleader doesn't care about the topic? Or Soccer-Sam thinks Soccer is the real football? or a majority of your class doesn't care about the topic?
If you do care, than your goal might be
"To get the attention of those previously disinterested in football through use of history to explain the importance of the sport in today's culture."
or, to just appeal to those who already like football
"The anatomy of the Double Wing"
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ideas?
Jan 21, 2008 11:28:22 GMT -6
Post by bulldogoption on Jan 21, 2008 11:28:22 GMT -6
Just for some clarification: You are teaching this during the couple of days your school has set aside for state testing??? e.g. block 1 state testing, block 2 kids get to choose between football and bird watching, block 3 testing, block 4 kids get to choose? ?? Sound right?
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Jan 21, 2008 11:32:27 GMT -6
Post by superpower on Jan 21, 2008 11:32:27 GMT -6
Yes, bulldogoption, you are pretty close on the scheduling. The students will have about 20 different classes to choose from, so they will be selecting things that they are truly interested in (at least in theory).
wingt74, I appreciate your insight. I will need to set a clear mission statement before I go any further. I think there will be quite a few girls interested in football at our school, so I don't want it to be too technical for them.
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Jan 21, 2008 13:50:34 GMT -6
Post by coachcastleman on Jan 21, 2008 13:50:34 GMT -6
If you are looking for some good history of football. Check out the book, "The Way We Played the Game". Football has changed a lot since the early 1900's.
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Jan 21, 2008 13:52:25 GMT -6
Post by gregspahn on Jan 21, 2008 13:52:25 GMT -6
What about a class on the psychology of motivation? I would also beinterested in a class about the history of the game, or possibly the history of the game at your school (or local college or pro team). Basic fundamentals could work, but if you talk too much scheme, you could lose kids. What about major figures in the history of the sport? Maybe a class that deals only with equipment and how to use it? Could you have the kids put on some equipment and see how it feels/works?
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Jan 21, 2008 14:00:43 GMT -6
Post by struceri on Jan 21, 2008 14:00:43 GMT -6
I like the idea of the history of your school or local team. Maybe a class on the biggest rivalries and the history of those whether it's local or national. I think a lot of them would be suprised to learn about all the injuries and even deaths that happened in the early days of the sport as well as some of the equipment that was worn.
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Jan 21, 2008 14:28:05 GMT -6
Post by superpower on Jan 21, 2008 14:28:05 GMT -6
What about a class on the psychology of motivation? This is something I am seriously considering. Instead of focusing on football, focus on motivation so the presentation appeals to a larger audience. I like it.
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Jan 21, 2008 20:18:48 GMT -6
Post by schultbear74 on Jan 21, 2008 20:18:48 GMT -6
sign me up for that class.
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Jan 21, 2008 21:50:23 GMT -6
Post by carookie on Jan 21, 2008 21:50:23 GMT -6
60-90 minutes is too short to really do much with; if you want to do something with football in 60-90 minutes you better have a fairly homogeneuos group as it relates to knowledge of the game.
However, a class on psychology or motivation could work well; if you limit your focus.
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ideas?
Jan 22, 2008 9:38:10 GMT -6
Post by coachwoodall on Jan 22, 2008 9:38:10 GMT -6
when i was teaching middle school, we had this type of special interest class, but it lasted for 2 weeks and was only 20 minutes per period. I tag teamed with another football coach down the hallway and we just did chalk talk. Don't know the kids liked it, but we had a blast.
You can find a ton of football related terms, look at the rules of the game and when certain aspects first came into being (first helmet, forward pass, college game, ect...) If it will last more than a day or 2, you could end the class by going outside and doing a skills test: longest throw, punt, KO, FG contest, etc.....
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