TITLE:  Football Review

AUTHOR:  Kelly J. Glodt, Abe Hubert Middle School, Garden
City, KS

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  any grade or subject

OVERVIEW:  There is a time and a place where reviewing
material can be very effective in aiding a student's
academic success.  I have discovered a variety of methods
for a class to successfully review previously taught
material.  Football review seems to be the students'
favorite.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to get all
students involved in a review process in which they can have
fun and reinforce material at the same time.

OBJECTIVE:  The students will:
1.   Be involved in the review process.
2.   Have fun while learning.
3.   Specific objectives would depend on the material that
     is being reviewed.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  chalkboard, questions, or material to
be reviewed

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:  Teacher's Preparation:
1.   Draw a simple football field - add school name, etc. to
     the end zones and/or 50 yard line.
2.   Draw a scoreboard.
3.   Have a question prepared.
4.   Write the following rules on the board.
     a:   Correct answer = 10 yards - 1st down
     b:   Incorrect answer = fumble - control goes to other
          team.
     c:   3 answers in a row = field goal - after a team has
          answered three questions correctly they can choose
          to take 3 points for the field goal or risk a 4th
          question.
     d:   4 answers in a row = touchdown!  7 points
          (Note:  Field goal questions and touchdown
          questions should have a higher level of
          difficulty.
     e:   Unsportsmanlike conduct:  15 yard penalty and loss
          of ball if in your possession.  (I use this when a
          student is talking out of turn).

Classtime activity:
1.   Divide the class into two groups.  (There is a variety
     of fun ways to divide into groups rather than cutting
     the room in half or numbering off!!)
2.   Choose captains and make up unique names for the
     scoreboard.  (ex.  Rowdy Rhondas, Marvelous Mikes,
     Rick's Raiders.)
3.   Coin flip - give students the choice of taking control
     of the ball or letting the other team have control
     first.
4.   Draw a football (or circle representing football) above
     the 20 yard line.
5.   Start the questions and follow the rules which you
     wrote on the board.
     (Note:  There are many variations to the questioning
     technique.  Some are listed below.)
     a.   Only the student who is asked the question may
          answer.
     b.   The entire group can discuss and then answer the
          question.
     c.   If a question is missed it is a fumble and control
          goes to the other team - you can give them a new
          question or repeat the missed one.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  I have found this activity to be
very effective for the unmotivated student.  I always stress
not winning the game.  Many times the students are having so
much fun they don't realize that they are learning.  The
unsportsmanlike conduct rule gives you complete classroom
control.  It's a good idea not to ask another question until
it gets quiet and all are listening to the question.  This
game could be modified to meet any teachers needs.  Do
what's best for you and your kids.