Lesson Plan - Is This the Future of Football?

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge with the video “Play Hard, Stay Safe.” Ask: How does the video support the idea that wearing a helmet can keep you safe?

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

• collisions 
• sustain

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why some parents are choosing flag football over tackle for their kids.

1. Why do medical experts suggest that kids hold off on playing tackle football until they are 14 or older?
Medical experts suggest that kids hold off playing tackle football until they are 14 or older because kids’ brains are still developing. That means a concussion, an injury caused by a hit to the head, can be especially harmful to a kid.
^{(RI.4.5 Cause/Effect)}

2. What is the main idea of the section “Raise the Flag”?
The main idea of the section “Raise the Flag” is that flag football has important benefits, like preparing kids to play tackle football and getting girls on the field.
^{(RI.4.2 Main Idea)}

3. Based on the sidebar, “Heads Up!,” why might it be hard to recognize that one has a concussion?
Based on the sidebar, “Heads Up!,” it might be hard to recognize that one has a concussion because concussions often have no visible signs, like blood or bruises. In addition, the sidebar explains, “sometimes symptoms don’t show up until days after the injury occurs.”
^{(RI.4.7 Text Features)}

FEATURED SKILL: Comparison
Review how a Venn diagram can be used to compare two things. Then distribute the skill builder “Two Ways to Play” to have students analyze a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting flag football and tackle football.
^{(RI.4.5 Comparison)}