The Playbook Lesson

INTRODUCING THE COMBINE PART 3 • SKILLS

DIAGNOSTIC EVENT

Why Run the Skills Combine Today?

Professional athletes run drills on Day 1 to measure their baseline stamina, speed, and focus.

STATION A

Reading Speed: Reading a short text & tracking automatic neural responses.

STATION B

Writing Stamina: Crafting a 5-minute victory speech paragraph with correct syntax.

STATION C

Oral/Aural Skill: A peer coaching challenge to test active listening and delivery.

This is a low-stakes check. Show your coach your natural starting stamina! 1.3 CW • PAGE 3

STATION B • WRITING SPRINT

5-MINUTE DRILL

Your June 2027 Victory Speech

Prompt:

"Imagine it is June. You've completed ELA 7/8. You crushed your goals. Write a quick speech explaining what you achieved and the direct habits that got you there."

✔ Use 4+ complete sentences

✔ Check your capitalization

✔ Focus on spelling & punctuation

✔ Write clearly with pen/pencil

STAMINA TIMER

05:00

Focus completely on the sheet. No talking during this active play.

Once done, prepare to shift instantly to Station C (Partner Huddle). 1.3 CW • PAGE 3

STATION A: Reading Comprehension Total: 5 Pts

5 Points: Correct answer to Q1 AND deep inference on Q2 utilizing evidence.

3-4 Points: Correct Q1, but literal/simple response on Q2 with minimal analysis.

1-2 Points: Incorrect Q1, or left blank. Q2 contains fragmented thoughts.

STATION B: Writing Sprint & Stamina Total: 5 Pts

5 Points: Writes 4+ complete sentences. Strong capitalization, terminal punctuation, clear structure.

3-4 Points: Writes 2-3 sentences. Grammatical errors present but readable; minor structural flaws.

1-2 Points: Writes 1 sentence or list. High error density blocks comprehension. Low-level stamina.

STATION C: Oral Fluency & Listening Total: 5 Pts

5 Points: Student delivers speech with eye contact. Partner checks all three active listener criteria.

3-4 Points: Mumbled/timid delivery. Listening partner checked 1-2 boxes of active support.

1-2 Points: Refused or shut down during huddle; partner active check left blank.

Classroom Differentiation Plays

Special adjustments for students with executive dysfunction or low reading/writing baseline stamina:

For Slow Writers / Dysgraphia (Station B): Let them use bullet points instead of complete prose for the Victory Speech, or allow them to record a verbal voice note if writing completely stalls.

For Struggling Readers (Station A): Read the short myelin passage aloud as a whole group on slide 5 first, then have them independently complete the questions.

For Anxiety/Selective Mutism (Station C): Have them write down a sentence for their partner to read silently instead of vocal delivery, keeping active contact check optional.

Remember, Coach: First-day procedures build permanent neural tracks. Maintain high support and high expectations from minute one to lock in a successful season!