Classroom Management

Name of Activity: Sportsmanship Code

Purpose of Activity: To encourage students to remember the importance of good sportsmanship during competition.

Suggested Grade Level: 4 and up

Materials Needed: Hang a "Sportsmanship Code" poster in the gym and create a list of criteria through a class discussion, that define the Sportsmanship Code. For example: I will try my best, play fair, be supportive of others. I will cheer and not “Boo”. I will congratulate the other team when they win. I will be happy when my team wins, but I will not brag. Win or lose, I will have fun learning, exercising, playing with and competing against my friends.

Description of Idea

Assessment Ideas:

I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my students since instituting the sportsmanship code. It will be obvious to you after a few weeks when you see the students treat each other with more respect. You will begin to see fewer and fewer altercations among students. The main way to assess is to observe them during competetive situations. Look for examples of each point that is made in the code. In the begining, stop the class during the game when you see an example of good sportsmanship. Congratulate the student(s)and then continue with the game. You could include a paper and pencil assessment. Have students write some examples of good sportsmanship they have noticed in their life (away from school). Have a few students take notes for a few minutes during the game. They can write examples of good sportsmanship that they observed during their few minutes as note-taker. Rotate so every student has a chance to be the note-taker during the game.