I’m Too Old For Football #sol17 Day 11

Today I went to a workshop on teaching English language learners. We practiced some useful activities to help students plan and pre-write during writers’ workshop.

My Brainstorm Sheet

We first considered different experiences we have had that fit into each of the emotions listed on our chart–happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, hurt and embarrassed.

We had to choose one we wanted to write about. Note to self: Make sure you tell the students this will be a “public” writing experience when they are choosing their topic. First, I had chosen my sadness story, when as a child I eavesdropped with my sister on a conversation about my dad’s death.  I changed my idea when I realized we would be playing Musical Share your Stories.

First, we walked around during the music, and when the music stopped, we found a partner and told them quickly the beginning, middle and end of our story. The music started again and we walked. Stop. New partner. Repeat. Up to five times.

There was potential each time to help the storyteller improve their story. The teacher could give directions to the storyteller (“Now, add a new adjective to this retelling,” “Add a simile” or any other thing the class is learning) or to the listener (“Ask a clarifying question after you hear the story.”)

Anyway, after doing the above activity, acting out the story and drawing and labeling the beginning, middle, and end, we were ready to write.

I must admit I had much more to add to the writing when I finally got around to putting pen to paper.

Here is my story of why I’m too old to play football.

One of the highlights of the elementary sports day is the student-teacher football game. The 5A boys and the 5B girls were the champions in the elementary tournament that had taken place earlier in the day, and they got to be on the student team. Any teachers were invited to join the teacher team and, of course, I did.

In the whole of this short game, I had exactly two opportunities to get at the ball. The first time the ball came at me, I didn’t even see it. It found me, though. It made a direct hit on the pouch I had over my shoulder (with my phone and money inside). The ball broke the strap and sent my bag flying like a jet at takeoff. It also sent the football in a nice pass to my teammate. After the other teachers praised my great play, I scrambled off to reclaim my bag.

A little while later, I got a chance to get the ball again. It was coming at me, slowly. I ran to it and gave it a kick. As I did, I fell. I felt a little like Charlie Brown when he falls every time Lucy pulls the ball away from him. In my situation, though, I did manage to kick it, but down I went. I hit my behind, and continued backwards, the back of my head bouncing twice on the hard ground behind me.

I stood up shaken and wondering if I was hurt. I figured my pride was hurt more than my head, but they took the “When in doubt, sit them out” approach. I was happy to leave the game actually, and spent the rest of the time taking pictures of my teammates and students finishing the game.

I was thankful for no permanent damage to either my phone or my head.

Will I play next year? Of course, I will. I’ll forget by then that I’m too old to play football.

Grade 5 first place beat the teachers.

A post shared by arsgrade5 (@arsgrade5) on

Here is my table group from today’s workshop.

7 thoughts on “I’m Too Old For Football #sol17 Day 11

  1. While your body might not think it is worth it, I am sure that the students were ecstatic to see you play.

  2. Thanks, I do know they like it when I participate with them in all their activities. As an active and kinesthetic learner, I really can’t help myself, anyway!

    Denise

  3. I loved that you shared the strategies that you learned AND the writing that resulted. It would be great to share the process with your students. As teachers we often get involved in “things we are too old for” types of activities, but it is all in good fun.

    1. Thanks, Erika,
      I was going to teach thoughtful commenting today to my students, so I added this to my lesson plan to show them not only the process, but also some thoughtful commenting.

      I love working with children! They keep us young, don’t they?

      Warmly,
      Denise

  4. I liked your story, and I liked the process that led you to writing it… good ideas! ~JudyK

    1. Thank you, JudyK,
      Your reading my blog means a lot to me. I couldn’t resist finishing the “assignment” after our workshop. With so much preparation time, she inspired me to write.

      Blessings,
      Denise

  5. This is a great strategy for writing for anyone who struggles. I appreciate it for ELs as well! Students always love when we jump into their activities. What a great recollection to write about.

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