LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Read about a teen who is fighting to give other kids access to athletic clothing and equipment; understand issues that may keep some kids and teens from being able to play sports; identify solutions to these issues.

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 8: Advocate for personal, family, and community health.

CASEL: Social awareness

KEY VOCAB

inequality

dunk

financial literacy

Lesson Plan: Leveling the Playing Field

Shay Patel wants all kids to have sports gear.

1. Preparing to Read

2. Reading and Discussing

3. Building Comprehension and Vocabulary

4. Expanding SEL Opportunities

1. Preparing to Read

Before you read the article “Leveling the Playing Field,” ask your students the following pre-reading question:

How does unequal access to athletic gear impact kids and teens, and what can be done to make sure everyone has what they need to play?

2. Reading and Discussing

Have your students read the article “Leveling the Playing Field” independently; read the article out loud to them; or have students take turns reading the three sections out loud (The Inspiration, The Action, The Outcome).
After they’ve read the article, revisit the pre-reading question. Have their answers changed?
Next, have your students answer the Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking questions, either working in small groups or independently.

Close-Reading Questions
The following questions can be shared in printable or interactive form from the Resources tab.

What problem did Shay notice at basketball practice?
What action did he take to solve this problem?

Critical-Thinking Questions

How might a lack of access to basic athletic gear negatively affect a child’s desire or ability to participate in a sport?
How might having access to sports gear, events, and activities positively impact a child’s life over time?

3. Building Comprehension and Vocab

Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:

Quiz
Vocab Builder

4. Expanding SEL Opportunities

Continue the learning journey with the following extension activity:

In STAY IN THE GAME, students will research sports programs or organizations in their area that provide athletic gear, coaching, or activities to kids and teens free of charge. Have students select one organization and share what they learned about it, including ways for interested people to get involved.