By

Steven Errante,   Salem Hills Elementary School

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Topics:

Physical Activity Participation, Student Leadership,  Teamwork

We were at the tail end of our football unit and just started using our brand new NFL Play 60 Flag Football Kit. The students were having fun with the new equipment and the following week, they came to me asking to have a flag football game between the two fourth grade classes I teach. They said they had been practicing after school and on the weekends. The students went to the principal to get permission. The game was held on November 4, 2016, with the whole school attending the event. The students selected teams, had cheerleading squads, and a game Mascot wearing a traditional Viking’s helmet with horns and braids. The media specialist recorded the game, which was held on a crisp fall day. Everyone enjoyed the game. It was truly a school community event envisioned by the students.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

I championed their cause and directed them to get permission from the school principal. Once they had permission to hold the event, we sat down and worked out the assignments needed to be done for the event to happen. I took charge of getting the field ready, a referee for the game, and equipment. Their task was to form the teams, select the coaches, select team names and colors, and advertise the event throughout the school.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

The primary challenge was to make a case to the principal that this was a worth while event and that it should include the entire school. The students came with a plan and the principal was very supportive of the idea.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Other students have already come up to us and want to plan a spring event. Also, there is a mini project in place to get an eco-friendly water cooler with a water bottle filler built in to replace a broken water cooler in their hallway.

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