The inaugural tip-off Books and Hoops was nothing but net. Students from Bowman School in Lexington were treated to a new reading strategy and basketball skills. Students entered with grins and left smiling from ear to ear.
Tip Off
Before the scheduled tip off students arrived early. Students eagerly walked into the gym and began warming up with jump shots and lay ups. More than a few bounced in or went wide but there was plenty of excitement to go around.
First Quarter
Students gathered at the half court circle to learn how to preview a book by reading the front and back cover. Athlete vs Mathlete: Double Dribble by W. C. Mack was the perfect book to get every student interested in reading. The details included on the front and back cover of the book gave each student enough of a push to open the book and begin reading.
Second Quarter
Two members of the Lexington boys basketball team led small groups of students, allowing the fourth graders to have individualized reading instruction. The LHS students asked questions to probe fourth graders’ thinking. Groups also wrote on sticky notes to track character traits of the twin characters Owen and Russell Evans.
Third Quarter
Students moved back to the half court circle to share remarkable discoveries. Using their sticky notes, they cited details from the text, made connections between parts of the story, and made predictions based on character patterns and motivations.
Fourth Quarter
Once students had learned the importance of revving up their minds before reading a new book, we made the connection to basketball players revving up their bodies before playing a game. We began by doing the Maravich drills to get a feel for the ball.
Overtime
After warming up, we began with a dribble relay, then moved on to shooting drills (a free throw contest and a 3 point contest), and finally a friendly game of Knock Out. Each contest winner won a book for a prize. Some contest winning book titles included Sidekicks by Dan Santat and STAT (Standing Tall and Talented) by Amar’e Stoudemire.
Volunteers
The Lexington High School Boys Basketball Team volunteered to develop fourth graders into readers and athletes. Two players lead each group. Volunteers reinforced teaching points from the reading lesson, engaged the students in reading, assisted students so they could navigate the novel, brought a team atmosphere, demonstrated drills, and modeled positive sportsmanship.
Impact on Students
Parents shared how thrilled they were to have their child be a part of Books and Hoops. Many asked about the next session. Students shared their eagerness to read Athlete vs Mathlete: Double Dribble. Students also shared excitement about playing basketball with members of the Lexington High School Basketball Team.
Books and Hoops would not be possible without the help and enthusiastic support of the Bowman PTA. A special thank you to principal Mary Antón as well. Her guidance and feedback helped shape the program to fit the needs of each student.
The next Books and Hoops session will be at Donovan Elementary School in Randolph, MA. Three dates are scheduled for March 23rd, 31st, and April 7th from 6-7:30pm.