Winside First Grade Super Bowl Game! Giants vs. the Patriots

As I was shopping in Wal-mart last Saturday afternoon, the store was crammed with people preparing for the big Super Bowl Game.  That got me thinking about how much fun it would be to recreate Sunday's upcoming game for the First Graders using math fact cards, green plastic tablecloths, and a few other props.  Now there was only one problem--I had never watched an entire Super Bowl game before!  In order for me to prepare for the First Grade version, I would need to carefully watch Sunday's game.  I must say I did really enjoy the game although I didn't understand all of it. 

Mrs. Halpin (our afternoon para) and her husband constructed the goalposts from PVC pipe. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Halpin.  We used green plastic tablecloths, white duct tape, and markers to prepare the field.  Before we knew it, it was time for the National Anthem.  Of course, since all good athletes practice, practice, practice that is just what the First Graders did using math flashcards.

This was such a positive learning experience that I think we will need to make it an annual event!

The NY Giants prepare for the big game!

The Patriots pose with the referee (JaShaun Vyborny's daytime job is that of a sixth grader at WPS.)

Mrs. Halpin introduced the team players.

Mrs. Halpin introduces the Patriots.

The Giants huddle.

Preparing for the National Anthem

Standing at attention for the National Anthem

Giants player Stenwall and Patriots player Robinette prepare for the coin toss.  The Giants win the toss but choose to defer to the Patriots.

The Patriots huddle.

Go team, go!

The Giants pose by the goalpost.

The Patriots claim their goalpost.

Kick-off!  The game begins as Mrs. Halpin flashes a card to the Patriots and they catch the ball by giving the correct sum to the addition problem.  They also earn an extra point by actually catching the nerf football.

The referee makes the call for the Giants.

Will the Patriots make the extra point?  Go, Patriots!

It is a close game!

Thanks to the scorekeeper for his great help!  (His daytime job is that of sixth grader Caleb Kampa.)

The field and end zone

Who is going to get the ball?

The game was so close that the Patriots called a time out!

We can do it, guys!

Sideline talk

Final score was Patriots 29 and Giants 30.  Players shake hands with opposing team. 

Of course, no Super Bowl Game would be complete without the Super Bowl party food!

Enjoying the after game goodies!

Filling the after game goodie bag.

All in all, it was a great game, don't you think?

We can't wait for the next game! Learning the math facts this way is fantastic!  (Did we hear Ms. Loetscher say something about the Lakers?  She does know that's a basketball team, right?)