Headline of the Day
In groups of 4, students write a sports-page headline and a one-line subhead that sum up the most important part of the lesson, then present it with a frozen group picture. It builds the ability to summarize learning, teamwork and expressive movement in a calm way.
How to play
- Form groups of 4, seat them around the room and give each group a sheet of butcher paper and two markers.
- Explain the task: write a sports-page headline of no more than 8 words and a one-sentence subhead about what happened or what was learned today.
- For 3 minutes, groups talk quietly while seated; everyone must contribute, so each person suggests at least one word or idea.
- When you call '1 minute left,' each group plans a 5-second freeze frame to go with the headline, such as a celebration after a great pass.
- One group at a time stands up, a spokesperson reads the headline, the others hold the freeze frame for 5 seconds, and they sit back down with two deep breaths (about 3 minutes for all groups).
- Hang the posters on the wall and finish with 30 silent seconds to read the other groups' headlines.
Rules
- Headlines are about the lesson, never about making fun of a specific person.
- Every group member contributes at least one idea.
- Freeze frames involve no lifting and no climbing on anyone.
- While a group presents, everyone else listens seated and quiet.
Variations
Easier
Give each group three keywords from the lesson to build the headline around.
Standard
Headline, subhead and a 5-second freeze frame for each group.
Harder
The subhead must include a specific fact from the lesson, like a score, a number of passes or a rule.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility join the freeze frame with arm gestures and facial expression from where they are.
- For students with autism, provide a written example headline and give them a clear role, such as scribe.
- For students who struggle with reading or writing, let them dictate their idea while a teammate writes, and credit their spoken contribution.
Learning goals
- Summarize the main takeaways of the lesson in just a few words.
- Work as a group to agree on a shared product.
- Express an idea with the body through a freeze frame.
Equipment for a class of 25
- butcher paper: 6
- markers: 12
Teacher tip
Have the paper pre-cut and the markers bundled by group so no time is lost. If a headline is too vague, ask 'What exactly happened?' to push them to be specific.
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