Week 5: How can I get better at playing games?
Weekly Focus
Children explore ways to improve their game-playing skills through practice, following rules, and developing good sportsmanship. They learn about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of having fun while playing games.
Week at a Glance
- Understand the importance of practice
- Develop perseverance and growth mindset
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship
- Reflect on personal growth in game skills
Weekly Overview
Theme
How can I get better at playing games?
Focus Areas
- Practice
- Perseverance
- Sportsmanship
- Growth mindset
Key Vocabulary
Fostering a Growth Mindset
Daily Plans
Monday: Practice Makes Progress
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Discuss how practice helps us get better at games
Literacy Focus
Read 'Froggy Plays T-ball' by Jonathan London
Math Focus
Graph results of skill practice (e.g., bean bag tosses) over multiple attempts
Afternoon Activity
Practice simple game skills and track improvement
Materials Needed
- Froggy Plays T-ball book
- Bean bags
- Targets
- Graphing materials
- Skill practice stations
Assessment Notes
Observe students' understanding of how practice leads to improvement and their persistence when practicing skills.
Featured Activities
Skill Challenge Stations
Students rotate through stations practicing different game skills (throwing, catching, balancing, etc.), tracking their progress over multiple attempts.
Duration
40 minutes
Materials
- Station signs
- Various game equipment
- Recording sheets
- Stickers for achievements
Learning Areas
Good Sport/Poor Sport Sorting
Students sort picture cards showing examples of good and poor sportsmanship, discussing why each behavior belongs in that category.
Duration
25 minutes
Materials
- Behavior picture cards
- Sorting mats
- Discussion prompts
- Role-play props
Learning Areas
Growth Mindset Game Challenges
Students attempt increasingly difficult game challenges, using growth mindset language and strategies when faced with obstacles.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Challenge cards
- Game equipment
- Growth mindset phrase cards
- Timer
Learning Areas
Game Skills Show and Tell
Students demonstrate a game skill they've improved at, explaining how they practiced and what strategies helped them get better.
Duration
35 minutes
Materials
- Various game equipment
- Presentation schedule
- Audience feedback forms
- Certificates
Learning Areas
Celebrating All Types of Improvement
Resources
Books
- "Froggy Plays T-ball" by Jonathan London
- "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper
- "Strictly No Elephants" by Lisa Mantchev
- "Franklin Plays the Game" by Paulette Bourgeois
- "Perseverance Makes Me Stronger" by Elizabeth Cole
Printables
- Skill practice recording sheets
- Growth mindset posters and cards
- Good sportsmanship scenario cards
- Game skills progress tracking forms
- Achievement certificates
Home Connection
Send home a family activity sheet encouraging families to practice a game skill together and celebrate improvement. Include a simple chart for tracking progress and reflection questions about perseverance and growth.