Lesson Plan - Ready to Shine

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Sports for All” as a class and discuss: What are some examples of adaptive sports? What do these sports have in common?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• barrier
• resilient

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them identify which athlete they’d most like to see compete.

1. How does Lex Gillette’s guide assist him during competitions?
During competitions, Lex Gillette’s guide assists him by standing at the end of the runway, clapping his hands, and yelling “Fly, fly, fly!” That lets Gillette know where to run.
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2. Describe two ways Lex Gillette and Matt Stutzman are alike and two ways they are different.
Sample response: Lex Gillette and Matt Stutzman are alike in that both have set world records and have won medals at previous Paralympics. One difference between them is that they have different physical challenges; Gillette is blind, while Stutzman was born with no arms. Another difference is that Gillette has a guide to help him as he competes, but Stutzman does not.
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3. In the section about Ixhelt González, what do the authors mean by the phrase “on the world stage”?
In the section about Ixhelt González, the phrase “on the world stage” means “all over the world.” González is explaining that she competes internationally.
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FEATURED SKILL: Setting Goals
Talk about how the athletes featured in the article work toward their goals. Then use the skill builder “Stick With It!” to guide students in setting and working toward their own personal goals this school year.
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