Sportsmanship in Action Lesson Plan Sportsmanship in Action
Teacher Facilitation Guide
30 Minutes
Objective
Understanding the core principles of sportsmanship: fair play, respect, and teamwork.
Audience
4th Grade Students (Classroom Tier 1)
Approach
Trauma-Informed, Blended Learning, Game-Based, Active Learning
? Why This Lesson?
"This lesson aims to teach 4th-grade students the importance of sportsmanship through a combination of reading, video, and interactive activities. By understanding the principles of fair play, respect, and teamwork, students will learn how to apply these values in both sports and everyday interactions."
Required Materials
Reading: 'The Spirit of Sportsmanship'
Video: 'Respecting Each Other in School'
Activity: Sportsmanship Role-Play Cards
Exit Ticket: Sportsmanship Reflection
Instructional Steps
0-5m
Introduction & Warm-Up
Begin with a brief discussion on what sportsmanship means.
Ask students to share examples of good sportsmanship they have seen or experienced (e.g., in PE, at recess, or watching professional sports).
5-10m
Guided Reading
Distribute the reading handout 'The Spirit of Sportsmanship' .
Have students read individually or in pairs.
Discuss key points: respect for referees, encouraging teammates, and being gracious in defeat.
10-15m
Video & Discussion
Show the video: 'Respecting Each Other in School' .
Prompt: "Look for one specific moment where someone showed respect to a teammate or opponent."
Brief share-out after viewing.
15-25m
Sportsmanship Role-Play
Divide students into small groups (3-4).
Assign each group a scenario card (winning gracefully, losing, encouraging, etc.).
Perform role-plays for the class (approx 60 seconds each).
Discussion: "How did the person receiving the sportsmanship feel?"
25-30m
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Recap: Sportsmanship isn't just for sports—it's for life.
Distribute the 'Sportsmanship Reflection' exit ticket.
Spirit of Sportsmanship Reading Handout Reading Handout
The Spirit of Sportsmanship
What does it mean to be a "good sport"? This reading explores the values of fair play, respect, and teamwork.
Sportsmanship is more than just following the rules of a game. It is an attitude and a way of treating others with dignity. When we talk about sportsmanship, we are talking about playing fair, respecting your opponents, and being gracious whether you win or lose.
It means encouraging your teammates when they make a mistake and showing respect to everyone involved in the game. This includes referees, coaches, and spectators. Referees are there to make sure the game is fair, and respecting their decisions—even when we don't agree—is a huge part of being a good sport.
Key Values
1 Fair Play: Following the rules always.
2 Respect: Treating opponents as friends.
3 Encouragement: Lifting others up.
4 Graciousness: Winning without boasting.
Good sportsmanship helps create a positive and enjoyable environment for everyone. When everyone plays with spirit and heart, the game becomes fun for everyone, regardless of what the final score says on the board!
Play Fair
Respect All
Fair Play Slides Level Up Your Game
Sportsmanship
In Action
Fair Play • Respect • Teamwork
The Big Question
"What does sportsmanship mean to you?"
Have you seen it in a game?
Have you felt it yourself?
Fair Play
Respect
Teamwork
Joy
Video Spotlight
Respecting Each Other in School
Watch closely for examples of how students show respect to one another.
Watch Video Here
Observe • Listen • Discuss
Sportsmanship Showdown
Your Mission:
Be the Example!
1
Get into groups of 3-4.
2
Pick a Scenario Card.
3
Act out the "Good Sport" response!
Rules of Play
Be clear & kind.
Use your loudest "stage voice."
Focus on the solution!
Final Reflection
"Sportsmanship isn't just for the court...
Grab Your Exit Ticket!
Sportsmanship Role Play Cards Sportsmanship Showdown
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Scenario 1
The Hard Defeat
Your team just lost the championship game by only one point. You are feeling very sad and frustrated.
Challenge:
Act out how to congratulate the other team gracefully.
Scenario 2
The Bad Call
The referee says you were "out," but you are 100% sure you were "safe." Your whole team is yelling.
Challenge:
Demonstrate how to respect the official's decision and keep playing.
Scenario 3
The Nervous Rookie
A new student joins your basketball game but they aren't very good yet and keep missing shots.
Challenge:
Show how to encourage a teammate instead of getting annoyed.
Scenario 4
Winning Big
Your team won by 20 points! You feel amazing and want to brag about how much better you are.
Challenge:
Role-play winning with humility and respecting your opponents.
Teachers: Cut along the dotted lines and distribute cards to small student groups.
Sportsmanship Reflection Exit Ticket Sportsmanship Reflection
Exit Ticket • 4th Grade
Name:
Date:
Think about what you learned today during the reading and role-play activities. Circle the best answer for each question below.
1
What is one example of good sportsmanship you learned today?
Cheering for a teammate
Ignoring the rules
Boasting about winning
2
Why is it important to show respect to opponents?
It makes the game more enjoyable for everyone
It doesn't matter
Only if you win
3
In your own words, how can you show sportsmanship in the cafeteria or hallway? 
