This Is Soccer
What’s inside...
A simple introduction to the game of soccer, covering its equipment, players, and basic plays and depicting a game in progress. From juggling and dribbling to shooting and saving, this action-packed introduction to soccer covers the ups and downs of a field game as two coed youth teams go head-to-head. Young children get a firsthand look at this popular sport as players run and tumble, dribble and pass, and shoot and score throughout the game. Margaret Blackstone's bouncy verse and John O' Brien's humorous illustrations make learning about soccer as much fun as scoring the winning goal.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes soccer fun, based on the story?
How did the teamwork in the book help the players achieve their goal?
Can you describe how the characters felt when they won or lost the game?
What did you learn about sportsmanship from the characters?
If you could play with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the game as depicted in the book and relate it to any sport they play or watch.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about a time they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Connect the emotions of the characters during winning or losing moments to personal experiences, emphasizing empathy and sportsmanship.
Invite your child to imagine their own soccer game and describe what role they would play, enhancing their personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: This book showcases the importance of working together as a team to achieve common goals on the soccer field.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, share responsibilities, and support their peers, both in sports and group activities at school or in the community.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the value of practicing regularly and not giving up, even when learning new skills is challenging.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the importance of persistence in mastering new skills, whether it's learning to ride a bike, mastering a new subject, or playing an instrument.
Example Lesson: Respect
Explanation: The story teaches respect for teammates, opponents, and referees, highlighting how sportsmanship translates to respectful interactions on and off the field.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop respect for others' views and abilities, fostering a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards diversity.
Example Lesson: Following Rules
Explanation: Children learn about the rules of soccer and the importance of following them, promoting fair play.
Real-World Application: Understanding and adhering to rules in games can parallel following rules in school or at home, contributing to a well-rounded behavior.
Example Lesson: Joy of Participation
Explanation: The book highlights the joy and fun of playing soccer, emphasizing the enjoyment over winning, which can foster a love for the sport.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to actively participate in physical activities and sports for enjoyment and health, rather than competition alone.