More Fun: Activities, Videos, and Related Content
Cross- Curricular Activities
Math
Practicing addition and subtraction facts is fun for all when you make a game of it! Turn any room into a baseball diamond and create two teams of “batters.” Correct answers get you on base and answering a word problem correctly can count as a “double.
Science
Balls in Motion! Explore the movement and motion of objects through student demonstration, observation, and vocabulary. You will need a box of balls (or other objects) of various sizes and shapes (i.e., baseballs, soccer balls, basketballs, ping pongs, frisbees, and golf balls).
Individually or in small groups, challenge students to come up with as many motion words as possible. Not only will this give you a sense of your group’s language skills, you’ll be preparing them for the game. Save time by printing off these motion vocabulary cards.
Play Ball! To play “Balls in Motion” follow these steps:
Two students play at a time. Each selects their item of preference.
Show “players” a motion flash card, say the term aloud.
The players perform the motion with their chosen object.
Classmates repeat aloud the motion vocabulary word.
Social Studies
Using pictures, audio, and video, immerse your students in the past and present of baseball. Ask students about the similarities and differences they see in the sport equipment, uniforms, and audiences. Ask your students why they think some of the changes may have occurred (ex. batters now wear helmets, stadiums now have lights)
Plot teams on a US map to encourage state and map knowledge.
Language
All about idioms! Kids know that when it’s raining cats and dogs, the animals aren’t really falling from the sky. Your children will be surprised to learn just how often sports terminology creeps into our everyday language. Explore the common idioms in the sidebar and learn what your students know (or don’t!) about these common sports phrases.
Sports Talk
No matter what sport you like to play or watch, chances are you’ve talked like a pro at home or at school. Can you and your classmates figure out the meaning of popular sports expressions, on and off the field?
Baseball
-Play Ball -Out in Left field -Rain Check -Strike Out -On Deck -Step to the Plate
Soccer/Football
- Get the Ball Rolling -Kick Off -Be On the Ball -Get Sidelined -Pick Sides -Move the Goalpost
Martial Arts/Boxing
-Hit Below the Belt -Be in Someone’s Corner -Take It On the Chin -Bob and Weave
Basketball/Tennis
-Slam Dunk -Full Court Press -Ball is in Your Court -Ace -Nothing But Net -On the Rebound
Videos
Related Content
We can all have fun with this favorite pastime. Please enjoy learning more about organizations like these making sure that everybody has the chance to play ball!
