Game Day Teacher Guide
The Best Day Ever
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Total Time 30 MINUTES
Lesson Objectives
- Students will identify positive ways to cheer for both teams.
- Students will choose one calming strategy to use during the game.
Materials Needed
- "The Best Day Ever" Presentation Slides
- "My Game Day Playbook" Worksheet
- Poster Paper, Markers, Stickers
Game Plan (Pacing)
05 Minutes
Warm-Up: The Big Announcement
Build excitement and introduce the event concept.
- Announce the "Best Day Ever" game against the visiting school.
- Highlight that it's a celebration of EVERYONE'S skills.
10 Minutes
Discussion: Slides & Strategies
Use the slide deck to facilitate conversation.
- Emotional Regulation: Discuss "The Scoreboard of Feelings" and practice the "Free Throw Breath."
- Cheering for Everyone: Use the slides to discuss why we support the other team (Hard work, inclusion).
15 Minutes
Group Activity: My Game Day Playbook & Poster
Students complete personal prep then work together.
- Students circle their feelings and choose a calm-down strategy on the Worksheet (e.g., Asking for a break).
- Poster Time: As a group, design a "Good Luck" or "Cheer for Everyone" poster for the game.
- Discuss: "What kind words should we put on our poster for our opponents?"
Essential Questions
"Why do you think it is important to be kind to the other team even if we want to win?"
"What is a kind word you can say to a player from the other school after they make a basket?"
"If you need to ask for a break, who is a safe adult you can talk to on the sidelines?"
"How does it feel when someone cheers for you? How can we give that feeling to our friends?"
Best Day Ever Slides
Get Ready For...
THE BEST
DAY EVER
Basketball Assembly 2026
What is this game?
The Whole School
Everyone is coming to the assembly to watch us play and cheer us on!
New Friends
We are playing against a team from another school who loves basketball too.
It's a celebration of everyone's hard work!
The Scoreboard of Feelings
Games can be loud and exciting. You might feel:
EXCITED
Ready to play!
NERVOUS
Butterflies in tummy.
OVERWHELMED
Too loud or fast.
All of these feelings are OKAY!
The "Free Throw" Breath
1
Take a big breath in like you're aiming the ball.
2
Let it out slow like you're shooting the ball.
3
Shake your hands out and say "I've got this."
Let's practice together!
When the crowd gets loud, we use our quiet breath.
Cheer for Everyone!
Why do we cheer for the other team, too?
Support Friends
The other players worked hard to get here, just like us!
Best Day Ever
We want everyone to feel happy and included today.
When we are kind, we all win!
Be a Super Supporter
On the Best Day Ever, we cheer for:
Our Teammates
"Nice pass!" "Go for it!"
The Other Team
"Great shot!" "Good game!"
"When everyone plays, everyone wins!"
The High Five Rule
Win or lose, we finish with a smile and a high five.
Because it’s the Best Day Ever!
Game Day Playbook Worksheet One Page
My Game Day Playbook
Best Day Ever Assembly Prep
Player Name
Game Date
01
How do I feel?
Circle the emotion that matches your feelings today.
Excited
Nervous
Energetic
Something
Else
02
If it gets too loud...
Pick one strategy to try during the game.
Take 3 "Free Throw" Breaths
Ask for a break
Close my eyes for 10 seconds
Good luck, Player!
Remember the High Five Rule!