How to Use this Site for Language Study, Creative Arts and Digital Literacy

When it comes to resources a teacher or student needs to be picky. I have designed this site to provide a range of study materials and inspirational materials for you to incorporate soccer into your classes or independent work.

Let’s look at applications for:

• Language study
• Creative arts
• Digital literacy

Language Study

Though many of the open ended activities directly apply to areas like reading and listening there is room to tackle skill areas like speaking and writing as well. Read a few blog posts or watch a video, take notes formally or informally (Cornell notes or other), and then write a reaction or opinion piece. You can even have a lower level student write a fifty-word bio and incorporate their favourite sport, team or player into the writing.

One of the central elements on this site is on the main page: the Canadian MNT player profiles. These are really easy to engage with and can act as a launch pad. Have students research other Canadian players’ backgrounds and skills. Or do some quick presentations that include international players but have the students follow the template used here.

Visual Art and Design

Students can look at all kinds of design from stadiums to unforms to the logos on the jerseys. Research the big picture and background and get into the nitty gritty and look at architects, fashion designers and visual designers. This topic can quickly branch into areas like business studies or technical product design.

Logos are a fun topic. Easy to create an introduction for. What I like about this is that logo design doesn’t need to be high art. Simple shapes will do. Recognizing basic principles like contrast an colour or spacing and repetition. Advanced students can talk about the differences between national team logos and corporate logos on jersees.

For independent work students can design their own logos, create their own teams and invent superstar players with unique skillsets. Collaborate in a group and brainstorm together. Teachers: you may surprise yourself by working quickly and giving only a sketch of instructions. Students will find a way to amaze you with their creativity.

Digital Literacy

Here you can discuss viewpoints and bias, sponsorship and advertising, along with study related to the use of AI and primary or secondary sources. Apply any of your existing materials to the topic of sports, soccer and the lives of athletes.

Quick topic: Google doodles. What actions are going on here? What is the purpose or he doodle? Is their subliminal advertising going on?

Advanced students may want to look at the background of some sources commonly used for sporting statistics: FIFA, ESPN, the Athletic, or Canadian sources like CBC, CTV and Sportsnet. Ask questions – do they have bias? Is there a difference between editorial and opinion pieces?

Google Doodles

Go Forth and Learn!

The World Cup is a marvelous opportunity to look at many areas of study. Whether you are an English students, art major or interested in digital media, the sports scene offers some interesting jumping off points for learning about various aspects of human endeavour.

Teachers – feel free to contact me if you would like to exchange ideas or resources.

Good luck and have fun with your studies!

Mike