To keep the students engaged and working together, Amanda Marinez redecorated her room in the theme of the National Football League (NFL). She then drafted her second graders into professional football teams for math reviews. The football teams included Eagles, KC Chiefs, 49ers, and Texans. 

The lesson was designed for students to work in teams to complete math activities by reviewing how to compare numbers, order numbers, and addition and subtraction including using a number line.  

“It is important to provide exciting lessons to increase engagement and build student academic success,” stated Marinez. “The students will connect to the content and increase participation when they can relate the curriculum to their interests and learn from their peers.” 

The teams were drafted by comparing each student’s strengths in the various math activities based on classroom assessments. The organization of the lesson involved examining previous assessments, aligning the teams, finding related activities, creating a presentation to explain the activities, and decorating the room to increase engagement for the lesson. 

The purpose of this activity was to review and reteach concepts from the previous math units in a relatable and engaging way, while collaborating with classmates. The students were learning math concepts including addition and subtraction facts, comparing, ordering numbers, and adding on a number line. 

“I think the students enjoyed the lesson especially working together with classmates to complete the activities,” said Marinez. “I loved seeing the teams collaborate to achieve success and earn their teamwork points.” 

Marinez stated that the students were helping each other and expressing excitement to understand the various math challenges.