Let's Talk SPORTS

If you have a child at home who was SO looking forward to March Madness (me!) or any other event, ESPN's Hardwood classics may not be cutting it.  Yesterday, our ears and eyes actually perked up when the news came in that Tom Brady may be signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I wonder what the many Patriots fans at Castleton Elementary School are thinking. It certainly was a mini distraction from all other news for a bit.

Here is Lisa Cline-Ransome reading her book, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams illustrated by James E. Ransome.  Maybe you can make your own tennis court in your backyard or just trying to see how many times you can bounce a ball on a tennis racket without dropping it.




Below, check out National Ambassador for Children's Literature, the incomparable Jason Reynolds, reads the first chapter from his middle grade novel, Ghost.  Note: There are some mature themes in the book, but it is so good.  Maybe you can find a copy on Overdrive and read it together with your child.  And afterwards, you just might be hooked and want to read all the other books in the "Track" series.


In this segment, Jason talks about World Records.  Thanks to author Kate Messner for the idea of going to the World Records page, here are some active ideas to try outside: https://kids.guinnessworldrecords.com/activities/try-this-at-home-backyard.

Here is a story from NPR from our friend, Kwame Alexander.  Although it is not sports related per se, he has written many books with sports themes and beyond (The Crossover, Booked, The Undefeated are just a few and they are all on Overdrive).

Take a listen below and then challenge yourself to write an ekphrastic poem.  (You'll have to listen to find out what that means lol!).


If you want to view the art referred to in the story, go to this link.

Kwame has a new book coming out in October written with James Patterson on Cassisus Clay (Muhammed Ali).  Here's a brief article about it with the cover reveal.

Research

Is there someone in the world of sports you would like to find more about? Check out our databases on the CES website.  We have Pebble Go, World Book, Britannica.  If you do learn something new, share it with me!

Movies

My family is going to start catching up on our sports related movies and series.  Last night was HOOSIERS.  Common Sense Media rates it for ages 9+ here. It's based on a true story about a small town in Indiana that works its way up to the state championship.  Tonight might be MIRACLE.

And...

Don't forget to look at Mr. Biehler's Twitter posts every day for tips to stay physically active.  Here's his tweet from yesterday:

Hey @CastletonES check out the @SchodackCSD website for some fantastic stuff from all of your teachers (specials included). Here is a fun activity the Biehlers played to break up the morning. pic.twitter.com/WPmVY46Rhm

— Eric Biehler (@coachbiehler) March 17, 2020

I'm trying to walk or run every day.  While out, I saw one second grader riding her scooter and one kindergartener riding his bike (without training wheels!).  Today is a beautiful day in Castleton. I hope the sun can brighten your day and outlook.

As always, stay happy, healthy and positive! xo Ms. Rattner