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Jim Whiting is the author of more than thirty sports-related books, (and more than 100 books about other topics) so it is no surprise that he is sharing this brief sports bio. If you have students that love sports, send them hunting for Jim’s books in their library. You will make some students very happy readers.
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English/Language Arts
Explore titles
Social Studies
Explore contemporary Native American culture
Health & Wellness
Explore running
Research Skills
Explore link between athletes and advertising
Explore titles
- Where did this title come from? Would you have named this piece the same? Does the title influence how you think about what the author may have been trying to portray with this article? What do you think he was trying to communicate?
- One of the things an author controls is how to deal with time in a piece of writing. Here, the author starts with the culminating event and then in the next paragraph jumps backward to provide details that lead up to the event. Can you find other examples of this in writing? Have students start looking for these kinds of examples. When do authors make this choice? Can you find patterns? Have students try this kind of a lead out in their own writing, perhaps with a short biographical piece like this one.
Social Studies
Explore contemporary Native American culture
- Students spend time looking at native american tribes and what they looked like two hundred years ago, but we spend far less time looking at the outcomes of the native american peoples that were displaced by western Europeans throughout US history. Use this article as a way into that discussion. How do Native Americans fit into contemporary culture? Does that racial bias still exist?
- There are runners mentioned here from two other countries. Lots of students will know where Australia is located. Fewer will have any idea about Tunisia. Use this opportunity and take a look at a globe!
Health & Wellness
Explore running
- Track and field stars of tomorrow need to know about track and field stars in their country’s history - especially those from diverse backgrounds that represent the diverse ethnic origins that make up our country. Add Billy Mills to your wall of famous runners!
Research Skills
Explore link between athletes and advertising
- The author titles his piece “No Shoes for You” referring to an athletic footwear company refusing to provide shoes to this athlete. Have students explore that link and discuss the possible whys that surround these kind of business decisions.
© Karen Sterling, 2017 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission
