Football: Then to WOW! (Sports Illustrated Kids Then to WOW!)
Sports Illustrated Kids Then To WOW! Series
on Goodreads (27)
What’s inside...
See how all aspects of football have evolved in this highly visual book filled with history and trivia about the game. You'll see a football transform before your eyes from a melon-like ball crudely stitched together to the aerodynamic pigskin it is today; or watch as a quarterback evolves from a scrawny helmetless player of the 1930s to a hulking play caller of the modern era. From rules to equipment to the all-time greats, this book is a journey through the game spanning the years.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-17
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How have the rules of football changed from the past to now, and why do you think these changes were made?
Can you identify any players who have significantly impacted how the game is played today?
What are some differences and similarities between the gear used in early football games and the gear used now?
How do you think football has influenced American culture over the years?
What qualities make a great football player, based on what you've read in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the evolution of football by asking them to imagine playing the sport in different eras covered in the book.
Discuss the biographies of famous players featured in the book, diving into their backgrounds and achievements to spur a conversation about determination and teamwork.
Utilize the visuals in the book to compare the changes in equipment and play styles, asking your child how these changes might affect the players' performance and safety.
Explore the cultural aspects by discussing how football events like the Super Bowl create communal experiences and timeless memories.
Prompt your child to think about the teamwork necessary in football by asking them which qualities from the book they think are important for a team to succeed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of teamwork through the evolution of football strategies and how players must work together to achieve success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team activities, understanding the value of cooperation, and recognizing that individual success often relies on working effectively with others.
Example Lesson: History and appreciation of sports
Explanation: By detailing how football has evolved over the years, the book educates children about the history of the sport, fostering a deeper appreciation for it.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and respect different sports and their histories, potentially sparking interest in learning about or participating in new activities.
Example Lesson: Adaptation and innovation
Explanation: The book demonstrates how adaptations and innovations in football have improved the game, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to new situations and think innovatively in their problem-solving, whether in sports, academics, or everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Discipline and commitment
Explanation: Through the depiction of training routines and game strategies over time, the book shows how discipline and commitment are crucial to success in football.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to any task or hobby that children undertake, teaching them that dedication and hard work are key components of success.