In middle school, learning to be a good sport is as crucial as academic achievements. As special educators, we have the unique opportunity to instill values of sportsmanship in our students. This blog post outlines an engaging Being a Good Sport Discussion for Middle School, designed to teach middle schoolers the importance of fair play, respect, and camaraderie.
The Importance of Good Sportsmanship
Why Focus on Sportsmanship?
Good sportsmanship is about more than just playing fair. It’s about showing respect, empathy, and grace, whether you win or lose. It helps students develop a positive mindset and learn how to interact respectfully with peers, both in sports and in life.
Lesson Plan Overview
Objective: To engage middle school students in discussions about sportsmanship, using discussion prompts from Everyday Speech.
Materials Needed: Being a Good Sport Discussion Questions PDF
Duration: 30 minutes.
The Lesson Plan
1. Introduction to Sportsmanship (5 minutes)
- Start with a brief discussion on what being a good sport means.
- Share examples of sportsmanship from sports and everyday life.
2. Discussion Prompt Activity (15 minutes)
- Distribute the Being a Good Sport Discussion Questions.
- Break students into small groups and guide them through the seven discussion prompts.
- Encourage open, respectful conversations about each prompt.
3. Group Sharing (10 minutes)
- Bring the class together and have each group share their thoughts.
- Focus on common themes and insights from the discussions.
4. Reflection and Closing
- Conclude with a reflection on the importance of sportsmanship in daily life.
- Encourage students to apply these principles in school and beyond.
- Pair this discussion with a video from Everyday Speech.
Conclusion
Being a good sport is a valuable life lesson that extends beyond the playing field. Through this “Being a Good Sport Discussion for Middle School,” we can help our students embrace the values of respect, empathy, and resilience. Such discussions not only enrich their school experience but also prepare them for the broader social challenges of life.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
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Building Social Communication: Pragmatic Skills Goals in Middle School
Free Social Skills Exercises for Middle School Students: A Practical Guide
