FIFTH WEEK OF DECEMBER

SPORTSMANSHIP: The ability to take winning or losing with respect for self and others

Vs. Being a poor sport

SUGGESTED READING:
Stone Soup; Call it Courage
Let's Talk About Being a Bad Sport
Mighty Casey at Bat
SUGGESTED FILM:
Rudy Hoosiers
SONGS:
We Are the Champions

FAMILY ACTIVITY:

Discuss the importance of playing to enjoy a game, not just to win.
Make time to play games with your kids on a regular basis, but do not focus on who wins. Reward them for trying and for keeping their cool.
When your kids are involved in athletics, do not make winning the most important thing. Celebrate with them when they win and more importantly when they lose.
At athletic events, be a good example for your children by being polite and positive, especially at your children's games.

CLASS ACTIVITY:

Divide the class into teams and play a game. Tell them that there will be a prize at the end of the game. When the game is over give a prize, of equal value, to both teams.
When your students play games in P.E. do not allow members of a winning team to boast about winning.

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." -Lou Holtz, long time head football coach at Notre Dame

"It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game." -Anonymous

"Life is a game like any other, we just don't take it as seriously." -Babe Ruth

Perform a Random Act of Kindness Each Day