Starting class with something engaging is key to creating a lively environment where students feel comfortable jumping into the conversation. One approach that’s worked wonders for me is using current sports news—something I like to call "Around the Grounds." It’s a simple yet effective way to get students thinking critically and connecting the day's topics to real-world events.
I first picked up this idea from Dr Jess Richards, but over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit my style. Now, "Around the Grounds" is my go-to for sparking student engagement right from the start, especially in courses related to sport.
Getting Ready for Class
To make sure the stories I present are timely and relevant, I spend some time browsing traditional news sources such as ABC News, ESPN, FoxSports, Nine News, and the Courier Mail. I do this about 12-24 hours before class to pick out three sports stories that are generating a lot of buzz or I know will have alternative perspectives. It’s also important to know what your students are into—this helps narrow down the choices. I then create slides with a picture representing each story. In the notes section, I write a quick overview and add a link for reference. To keep the discussion flowing, I also come up with 2-3 talking points or questions related to each article.
Bringing It to Life in Class
When class starts, I start straight away with "Around the Grounds" right after my usual "welcome" and "safe space reminder" (more on that in a future post). I like to do this before laying out the day’s agenda—it gets students talking early on, which sets a great tone for the rest of the session.
I’ll show the first image and ask, "Does anyone know what this news story is about?" Usually, someone will share what they know, which can lead to different perspectives and a richer discussion. If no one jumps in, I’ll provide a quick summary and then pose a question designed to spark some critical thinking and tie the story back to broader themes.
Examples of "Around the Grounds" in Action
Example 1: NRL Expansion – Bidding Announcement
News Source: Redcliffe-based Dolphins confirmed to join NRL as 17th franchise in 2023 season
Question: Who won? What does this mean for Brisbane and the NRL? How do you think the new club might attract fans?
Expansion: This leads to a class activity on sports marketing strategies.
Example 2: Roger Federer's Earnings Milestone
News Source: How Federer turned $10M into $600M by walking away from Nike
Discussion: What makes an athlete marketable? Why is Federer particularly marketable?
Expansion: Endorsements and marketing beyond sport, discussing how athletes plan for life after sport and the authenticity of their endorsements.
Example 3: NRL's Digital Content Arm Scaling Down
News Source: NRL scales back digital arm following broadcaster pressure
Discussion: Where do we get our sports news? Who do we consider "authentic" or "reliable" in sports journalism? We also talk about the shift to athlete-driven and independent news, like YKTRSports, and how our expectations for digital content vary between leagues, clubs, and independent outlets.
Expansion: This may lead to a class activity on evaluating the future of sports journalism
Another idea is to spotlight major events when they’re trending, like the 2024 Paris Olympics & Paralympics. These events are rich with opportunities for discussion and can be a great way to tie in global perspectives, especially in courses with a diverse group of students.
Example 1: Hijab bans in French sport
News Source: France: Hijab bans in French sport expose discriminatory double standards ahead of Olympic and Paralympic Games
Discussion: How does the ban impact the inclusivity of the Olympic Games? What are the broader implications for athletes who want to compete while adhering to their religious practices? How does this policy affect young Muslim girls who aspire to be athletes?
Expansion: This story can lead to a broader discussion on the intersection of sport, politics, and human rights, possibly expanding into a case study on how international sporting events handle cultural and religious diversity.
Example 2: Steven Van de Velde's Participation in the Olympics
News Source: Why the Netherlands seems unfazed by sending a convicted child rapist to the Olympics
Discussion: Do you think it is ethical for a convicted rapist to participate in the Olympics? Why or why not? What values should the Olympics uphold? Should there be a policy preventing individuals with criminal convictions from participating in the Olympics? Who should govern these policies?
Expansion: This discussion could evolve into a class debate on ethics in sport, exploring how different organizations manage athlete conduct and what moral responsibilities they hold.
Example 3: Introduction of Breakdancing as an Olympic Sport
News Source: Break-dancing busts into the Olympics for the first time. Here’s what to expect in Paris.
Discussion: Do young people still care about the Olympics? Will the inclusion of breakdancing increase viewership among younger audiences? What are the potential implications for the rise of breakdancing as a sport following its Olympic debut?
Expansion: Use this discussion to explore the evolution of the Olympics and its efforts to stay relevant. Students could engage in a project where they propose other non-traditional sports that could be included in future Games to enhance inclusivity and attract diverse audiences.
Sports news stories can be a powerful tool for engaging your students and helping them connect with the broader world. By incorporating sports news into your classroom at the start, you can help your students develop critical thinking skills, improve their literacy, and prepare them to feel more comfortable contributing to the discussion.
Ready to give it a go? Grab our free "Around the Grounds" template to use in your classroom. Plus, every month in our newsletter, we feature top sports news stories that are perfect for your "Around the Grounds" discussions. Don't forget to subscribe here!
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