Play Nice Lesson Plan Teacher GuidePlay Nice Score Big Teacher Guide Teaching sportsmanship and safe play reduces injuries, promotes teamwork, and fosters a positive environment on and off the field. Audience 3rd–6th Grade Elementary Students Time 15 Minutes Approach Discussion & Hands-on Sorting Lesson Objective Students will learn to spot and prevent rough play in soccer by identifying key sportsmanship behaviors and practicing respectful play through discussion and a sorting activity. Prep (5 min) Review and print Sportsmanship Behaviors Chart. Create and cut out Rough Play Scenario Cards. Prepare copies of Respectful Play Checklist. Arrange space for group discussion. Instructional Steps 1 Introduction to Sportsmanship 3 Minutes Gather students and discuss the meaning of sportsmanship. Show the Sportsmanship Behaviors Chart and highlight positive behaviors. Ask students to share examples of good sportsmanship they've seen. 2 Identify Rough Play 5 Minutes Distribute Rough Play Scenario Cards to small groups. Have each group read scenarios and decide if it's rough play or respectful play. Groups share their decisions and reasoning with the class. 3 Respectful Play Checklist Activity 5 Minutes Hand out Respectful Play Checklist to each student. Students individually check off behaviors they will practice during soccer. Invite volunteers to read one item from their checklist aloud. 4 Closing and Pledge 2 Minutes Lead a quick class pledge to practice respectful play on the field. Use the timer or whistle to signal commitment (students raise hand when ready). Encourage students to remind peers about sportsmanship during games.
Play Nice Presentation SlidesPlay Nice, Score Big Sportsmanship & Safe Soccer Play Welcome students! Introduce the lesson title and get them excited about learning to play safely and fairly. Explain that today’s goal is to “Play Nice, Score Big!” on the soccer field. Lesson Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will: Identify key sportsmanship behaviors Spot examples of rough play Commit to respectful play on the field Read aloud the objectives. Emphasize that understanding rough vs. respectful play will keep everyone safe and make games more fun. What Is Sportsmanship? Sportsmanship means playing fair, respecting others, and keeping everyone safe. Review Your Chart: Kind words and encouragement Helping after a fall Waiting for turns and restarts "Can you think of a time someone showed great sportsmanship to you?" Show the Sportsmanship Behaviors Chart. Point out examples like ‘Helping fallen teammates’ and ‘Encouraging others.’ Ask for student examples. Identify Rough Play In groups, read each scenario card and decide: Rough Play? Respectful Play? Be ready to share your reasoning with the class! Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Scenario 4 Divide students into small groups and hand out the Rough Play Scenario Cards. Remind them to discuss and decide whether each is rough or respectful. Your Game Plan Choose 3 behaviors you will practice: Use kind words on the field Respect personal space Help an opponent up Wait for the whistle Distribute the Respectful Play Checklist. Give students a minute to choose behaviors they promise to follow. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share. Class Pledge “I pledge to play fair, respect my teammates and opponents, and keep everyone safe.” Raise your hand when you’re ready to keep this promise! Lead the class in a simple pledge. Use the whistle or timer: when you blow it, students raise hands indicating they’re ready to commit.
Sportsmanship Behaviors Chart ReferenceSportsmanship Behaviors Soccer Field Reference Guide Use this chart to review positive behaviors on the soccer field and discuss real-life examples. A true MVP plays with skill and heart! BehaviorWhat It Looks LikeEncouragementSaying “Great job!” when a teammate makes a good pass.Helping OthersHelping a player up after they fall and checking if they’re OK.RespectWaiting for the whistle before restarting play.FairnessPlaying by the rules and admitting if the ball went out.Kind WordsUsing polite language with both teammates and opponents.Team SupportGiving high-fives or pats on the back after good plays.Self-ControlStaying calm when a call doesn’t go your way.ResponsibilityPicking up equipment or returning the ball when play pauses. Huddle Up! Discuss each behavior with your class. Can you share a time you saw one of these in a real game?
Rough Play Scenario Cards ActivityField Action Cards Rough Play vs. Respectful Play Sorting Activity Cut along the dashed lines Card 1 Scenario: During a scrimmage, Juan pushes his opponent to the ground to get the ball. Card 2 Scenario: Maria helps an opponent up after they slip and fall. Card 3 Scenario: Liam yells at an opponent for accidentally blocking his shot. Card 4 Scenario: Aisha waits until the referee blows the whistle before kicking off again. Card 5 Scenario: Carlos shoves another player to clear space for himself. Card 6 Scenario: Zoe high-fives a teammate for a great pass. Card 7 Scenario: Ethan blocks a shot and then pats the shooter on the shoulder to say “good try.” Card 8 Scenario: Sofia pushes an opponent out of her way to grab the ball. Card 9 Scenario: Noah picks up the ball when play stops and hands it back to the referee. Card 10 Scenario: Jackson slides toward the ball with his cleats up near another player’s legs. Game Instructions: 1. Read your cards in your small group. 2. Decide: Is this Rough Play or Respectful Play? 3. Explain why you chose that answer. 4. Think: How could you fix a rough play scenario?
Respectful Play Checklist WorksheetRespectful Play Checklist Player Name Game Date My Game Plan Check off at least 3 behaviors you promise to practice on the soccer field! Use kind words on the field Respect personal space when tackling Help an opponent up after a fall Wait for the whistle to restart play Encourage teammates and opponents Stay calm even when a call is wrong My Personal Pledge Complete the sentence below to make your commitment: “I will play fair and show respect by... Play Hard • Play Fair • Play Safe
