Score Big with These 9 Super Bowl Classroom Activities
As a passionate Montessori elementary teacher with a love for the great game of American football, I’m thrilled to share some winning Super Bowl classroom activities that will bring educational excitement into your learning space.
By blending some Montessori principles and the game of football, these ideas promise to be a touchdown in making learning fun.
Here are 9 Super Bowl Classroom Activities for Kids
From math challenges to creative projects, these ideas will keep your students busy learning while exploring the excitement of football.
Read and Answer Football Trivia
Students can test their knowledge of football history, players, and memorable moments by answering trivia questions related to the Super Bowl and the sport itself.
This activity not only sparks friendly competition but also encourages students to learn more about the significance of football in American society.
Get questions here: 50+ Super Bowl Trivia Questions and Answers for Game Day
Play Paper Football
This game invites children to combine the fun of crafts with the fun of game play, as they craft paper footballs and flick them across a tabletop “field.”
Not only does it require fine motor skills and patience, but it also encourages students to flex their science brain as they calculate the trajectory for their flicks.
Paper Football is a hands-on way to foster teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking while adding an extra dose of fun to the Super Bowl season!
Here’s how to make a paper football:
Create a Touchdown Dance
This original Super Bowl classroom activity opens the door for students explore the history and significance of touchdown dances, considering their appropriateness and their ability to boost team spirit.
Working in small groups, students brainstorm and choreograph their own touchdown dance routines, focusing on positive messages and themes.
Then each group presents their dance to the rest of the class, and then invites them to join in and give it a try.
This activity not only encourages creativity and teamwork but also fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural and celebratory aspects of sportsmanship during the Super Bowl season.
It’s important to note that in actual football games, there is an excessive celebrating penalty, reminding players to be respectful and mindful in their celebrations.
Get them warmed up and dancing with this:
Practice Math Skills with Super Bowl Stats
Get your students excited about math while celebrating the Super Bowl with engaging classroom activities that practice math skills. Encourages students to explore a variety of Super Bowl-related math problems, adding an interactive twist to their learning experience.
From predicting the score and point differentials to calculating airfare prices and distances between competing cities, students can really tackle real-world math challenges.
Football is a great way for kids to learn about geometry, too! They can look at how big the football field is, guess how many people can fit in the stadium, and see the angles players run in.
Here are some word problems I used with my elementary students:
🏈 If a football team gains 8 yards on first down, loses 5 yards on second down, and gains 12 yards on third down, how many yards do they need to gain on fourth down to achieve a first down?
🏈 How many people will the Super Bowl stadium actually hold?
🏈 If 50,000 people each buy one lemonade ($2.50) and one hot veggie dog ($3.00) at the Super Bowl, what is the total amount spent by all of these people for food?
By exploring math through football, students not only improve their math skills but also enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in an enjoyable and meaningful context.
Here are some great videos that connect football to geometry and math.
Basically, football is full of chances to expand math and geometry skills. This is learning in disguise at its bests!
Read Football Books
Explore captivating stories related to football, the Super Bowl, or inspiring football players. Whether it’s tales of legendary athletes, thrilling game moments, or the history of the sport, these reads offer opportunities for discussion and learning while fostering a love for reading among students.
From picture books to biographies, there’s a book out there for every student to enjoy as they kickoff their interest in the world of football literature.
My students love all the books in the What Is series, and What Is the Super Bowl is always a hit during the NFL playoffs!
Find great football reads here: Huddle Up and Read: 10 Books About Football for Kids
💡Looking for more picture books for elementary kids? Check these out!
31 Captivating Picture Books for 5th Graders with Expert Tips for Selection
Make Super Bowl Ads
In this creative Super Bowl classroom activity, students design their own Super Bowl ads, adding a dose of media literacy to the mix. As one of the most-watched events globally, the Super Bowl’s commercials offer a prime opportunity for students to explore advertising techniques, target audiences, and persuasive messaging.
Through the process of creating Super Bowl ads, students learn to analyze existing commercials, identify effective strategies, and apply critical thinking skills to craft their own narratives. They consider factors such as product positioning, visual aesthetics, and emotional appeal to captivate their audience.
Additionally, discussing the ethical considerations behind advertising allows students to develop a deeper understanding of media influence and responsible messaging.
This hands-on experience not only fosters creativity but also empowers students to become discerning consumers and informed creators in today’s media landscape.
Here’s some great inspiration:
Football Themed Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
In this interactive activity, students flex their brain power to come up with and write out words related to football.
This creative classroom activity not only sharpens writing skills but also enhances observation abilities and critical thinking skills as students think of football-themed items corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. From “A” for “athlete” to “Z” for “zone,” students engage in interactive learning while immersing themselves in the excitement leading up to the Super Bowl.
To kickoff this activity, use our printable Alphabet Scavenger Hunt sheet, designed for indoor and outdoor adventures. Print this resource and then guide students through the hunt, prompting them to identify football-related terms for each letter of the alphabet.
As students race to find and match items to the letters, they strengthen their literacy skills in a fun and dynamic way.
Download our scavenger hunt here: Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Game
Watch and Learn About the Science of the NFL
Get ready to tackle the science behind football with this exciting and educational video series on YouTube. Created by the National Science Foundation News, this series takes a deeper look at NFL football. Beyond touchdowns and hard-hitting action, it emphasizes the critical role of science in achieving peak performance on the field.
Through this series of short videos, featuring interviews with former players and action-packed demonstrations, students’ attention will be captivated as they uncover the science behind football.
By blending captivating visuals with expert insights, these videos not only educate but also inspires students to appreciate the intricate science woven into every aspect of NFL football.
Exploring how scientific principles influence player performance, injury prevention, and equipment design, this series highlights how science can be the game-changer between victory and defeat in the NFL.
Watch the entire series here: [NFL Football] Science of Sports
Super Bowl by the Roman Numerals
Explore football history while tackling Roman numerals in a touchdown-worthy activity.
Have students decode the Roman numerals of different Super Bowls, from the gridiron classics to the latest matchups, answering questions like ‘Where did Super Bowl X take place?’ or ‘Who won Super Bowl IV.’
But wait, there’s more you can do with Roman numerals! Turn player jersey numbers into Roman numerals and transform Super Bowl stadium addresses into ancient codes. It’s like calling an audible in the classroom playbook!
Through this fun-filled activity, students not only score big on math skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the pigskin pastime.
Brush up on Roman numerals here:
These super bowl classroom activities are your game-winning strategy for learning that’s sure to be a fan favourite!
💡 Explore Our Fantastic Book Report Ideas for 5th Graders!
If you enjoyed these captivating super bowl classroom activities, you’ll appreciate our inspiring 5th-grade book report ideas designed to ignite imagination and enthusiasm for reading.
FAQ: Super Bowl Classroom Activities
When is the Super Bowl in 2024?
The Super Bowl in 2024 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 11th. This annual event is one of the most highly anticipated sporting spectacles in the United States and draws millions of viewers from around the world.
From the thrilling game itself to the star-studded halftime show and entertaining commercials, the Super Bowl captivates audiences of all ages. Mark your calendars and get ready to join in the excitement of the Super Bowl 2024!
How do you make the Super Bowl fun for kids?
To make the Super Bowl enjoyable for kids, consider trying the recommended activities in this article. Additionally, connecting with children to understand their interests and integrating those elements into the Super Bowl festivities can enhance their engagement. Active participation fosters a stronger connection to the game, leading to a more enjoyable experience for kids.
Why Teach Football and the Super Bowl to Kids?
Explaining football and the Super Bowl to kids goes beyond just introducing the sport -it’s a chance to explore teachable moments. While the Super Bowl is undeniably a highly commercialized event, it offers insightful lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and strategy.
The Super Bowl provides opportunities for learning in disguise, fostering critical thinking and helping children appreciate the broader significance of sports beyond the game itself.
How do I Explain NFL Football to Kids?
While American football seems straightforward to fans, it’s actually quite a complex sport. Thankfully, numerous books and videos simplify the game for newcomers.
This video serves as an excellent resource to share with students, breaking down the intricacies of NFL football in an understandable way.
The Wrap Up: Score Big with These Super Bowl Classroom Activities
These Super Bowl classroom activities are a touchdown for learning fun!
From tackling math with fun word problems to exploring the science of the sport, they’re a winning play for student engagement.
So, as the energy in your classroom rises as the big game approaches, remember: the Super Bowl isn’t just about the game – it’s a chance to score big with exciting educational activities that make learning a whole lot of fun!
Find more educational activities for your elementary learners here:
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