Lesson Plan - Is This the Future of Football?

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge with the video “Play Hard, Stay Safe.” Ask: How does the video support the idea that wearing a helmet can help keep you safe?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• opponent
• collisions
• sustain
• overcautious

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about the differences between flag football and tackle football.

1. Why do many experts suggest that kids wait to play tackle football until they are 14 or older?
Many experts suggest that kids wait to play tackle football until they are 14 or older because kids’ brains are still developing. That means a concussion, an injury caused by a hit to the head, can be especially harmful to a kid.
^{(RI.3.3 Cause and Effect)}

2. What is the section “Raise the Flag” mostly about?
The main idea of the section “Raise the Flag” is that flag football has important benefits, like preparing kids to play tackle football and getting girls on the field.
^{(RI.3.2 Main Idea and Key Details)}

3. Based on the sidebar “Heads Up!,” why might it be hard to know when someone has a concussion?
Based on the sidebar “Heads Up!,” it might be hard to recognize that someone has a concussion because concussions often have no signs that you can see, like blood or bruises. In addition, the sidebar explains, “sometimes you don’t feel anything wrong until days after the injury happens.”
^{(RI.3.1 Text Evidence)}

FEATURED SKILL: Comparison
Review how a Venn diagram can be used to compare two things. Then distribute the skill builder “Two Ways to Play” to have students analyze a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting flag football and tackle football.
^{(RI.3.8 Comparison)}