Grade Level: Middle School or higher

Subject: Overcoming Obstacles

Unit: Resiliency

Materials Needed: Gymnasium, wheelchairs, basketball, basketball hoops, guests, classroom, paper, board

Objectives:
TLW be able to see the sport of basketball in a new perspective.
TLW be able to recognize his/her own abilities.
TLW be able see others overcoming obstacles.
TLW gain a new perspective for what they have and what they can do.

Standards:
INTASC Principle #3: The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adaptive to diverse learners.

INTASC Principle #6: The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

INTASC Principle #9: The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Instructional Strategy: Building prior knowledge; discussion, modeling, guided practice, reflection, group work.

Anticipatory Set: Assemble everyone in the gym and let them know that they are going to play basketball. Bring out the guests (wheelchair basketball team) and let them know that they will be playing against them; in wheelchairs.

Statement of the Lesson Objective:. To help students become aware of their own abilities and observe a practical example of overcoming obstacles.

Description of the learning activity to include: 1) input, 2) modeling, 3) checking for understanding, 4) guided practice, 5) post-test, and 6) independent study or homework.

Steps in the Lesson

1. Input: Let the students know that they will be playing basketball, only in a wheelchair.
2. Modeling: As the teacher, I am going to play as well.
3. Guided Practice: Play about 15 minutes of a game. After playing, go to the classroom and discuss the activity. Then have the students write a short essay about what their positive qualities or “abilities” are or they could write about how they overcome obstacles.
4. Post Test: Ask if anyone would like to read what they wrote.
5. Closure: Reflect upon how good the students may have it and that they do overcome obstacles on a daily basis.