Yes folks, for those basketball lovers, like myself, it is that time again. MARCH MADNESS!!! A basketball lovers dream month, Ups and downs, unexpected upsets and just pure fun!! I love it!!!
But with basketball season also comes the student aspect, sub-state and state tournaments. There are only a few teams that win and a number that don't, however this can apply to any high school and college sport. Having athletes in your class can be fun, your excited when they win and bummed when they lose. I had two such experiences this week, thanks to the Basketball State Tournament.
I have a number of basketball players in one of my classes and after a first round loss at state, they were all pretty bummed. I watched a bit of the game film that was posted with them and tried to help the understand what happened, having played I understand how they felt. I used to have these same conversations with my nieces, we talked about how it is just a game and this is not going to define who they are. The group I have, will all be back next year and there is always next year. They need to keep looking forward.
Even though they may have been bummed about state, we gave them a bit of room and time. However, we did get them to refocus and start in on the project that was do the next week. We are working on movie trailers which has been interesting. We have seen a number of creative trailers from a number of different genres. This group chose to do a parody of Titanic. Needless to say it was hilarious. They had a hard time taping because we were all laughing so hard. By the end of class the guys were feeling much better. Sometimes a bit of laughter can help lift some bummed spirits.
Now on the other side of things, I have a niece that plays and they made it through to the weekend. However, they lost Friday's game and were playing for third. Luckily, since I had just been through this with my group of guys, I switched to sympathizer mode. I talked to them about how, at the worst, they would finish 4th in the state. Fourth is not all that shabby, granted everyone wants to win it all, but it does not always happen. For a number of them who did not play, I told them that things would be different next year when they were on the court.
Now after taking 3rd, their attitudes had changed. They were all excited and taking pictures. Sometimes it is a wonder what a day or a project can make.
Basketball it not everything going on this month, there is also the Spring Fever going around. Students are already starting to check out and looking forward to Spring Break. I don't have a lot of room to talk, because I am too. Granted I have not checked out quit yet, but I am ready for a break and sitting around watching some basketball.
Hope everyone has a great week!!!
Shannon, I am a March Madness nut! KU fan all the way! But it is also important to note how we have the responsibility as teachers to use these highs and lows as teaching moments. It is always important to look at the bright side of the games, no matter what. Just like today. I had a few really bad moments teaching my juniors their first lesson. I keep telling my self to look for the positives as well. It is not a one and done for me, I have 6 more lessons to go to try and improve their minds and attitudes. So unlike the basketball teams, all I can do is look over the game tape and try to make adjustments for the next time on the court.
ReplyDeleteShannon, I know what you mean and how you feel about your students. However, I find myself becoming a fan of so many activities. At my school I have students involved in so many sports and other activities. It ranges from baseball to bowling and orchestra to drama. So far there has been a lot of success for my students. I have swimming and bowling champions and also have the lead actress in the spring musical. It was so uplifting to experience the excitement along with them.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have had good experiences, I know that there will be some downers. Reading your post really did help as I considered how I would handle these types of disappointments. The closest I have come has been when one of my seniors did not make the basketball team. I am not sure how others feel, but I enjoy this part of the job. I want to be there for my students. I believe that letting them know how much you care will make them better students and I know they can see through someone who is faking it. Genuine excitement and genuine compassion can go a long way for many young people.
It is a wonder how some things can completely throw off students' ability to focus and learn what it is we, as teachers, are trying to teach them. Whether it's the basic necessities of food or sleep, or the more personal agenda of losing a basketball game, the smallest things can sometimes upset the whole mood of a classroom (especially when you have so many players in your class at once). I think that it was great of you to give them the chance to work through how they were feeling while also lending a sympathetic but supportive hand. Sometimes, even if it goes against a time crunch (or a KPTP deadline) or the prescheduled notion of the day, those impromptu discussions are what the students need to allow their minds to refocus and get back to the task at hand. And, as you said, there is always next year for them! Only one team can ever take first place, but at least they are learning appropriate ways to handle and cope with the losses (and hopefully next year we will go all the way!) that are bound to occur.
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