Lesson Plan - Going for the Gold

Watch the Videos
Watch the video “Let the Games Begin!” to build background knowledge. Ask: How have the Olympic Games changed since ancient times? Then watch “The Breakdown on Breaking.” Discuss: Based on the video, why do you think many people see breaking as a sport?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• qualified 
• debut

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why the Olympics will be special to the breakers on Team USA.

1. Based on the article, what does it mean to qualify for a spot on a team? How did Victor Montalvo qualify for Team USA’s breaking team?
To qualify for a spot on a team means to perform successfully enough to earn a spot. Victor Montalvo qualified for Team USA’s breaking team when he won the 2023 World DanceSport Federation World Breaking Championship. 
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

2. Summarize the main idea and key details of the section “Hip-Hop Roots.”
The section “Hip-Hop Roots” is mainly about how breaking got its start in New York City in the 1970s. Hip-hop music was born when DJs spun records and MCs added words to the music at parties. During breaks in the music, B-boys and B-girls danced.
^{R.2 Summarizing}

3. Based on what you have read, do you think breaking should be considered a sport? Explain, using evidence from the article.
Sample response: Breaking should be considered a sport because B-boys and B-girls demonstrate a lot of athletic skill when they do moves like backspins, headstands, flips, and tumbles. They practice often and compete against each other just like athletes do in other sports, like swimming or soccer.
^{R.8 Reasons and Evidence}

Featured Skill: Using Paired Texts
Use the skill builder “Symbols of the Games” to explore four important symbols of the Olympics—the flame, rings, mascots, and motto.
^{R.9 Paired Texts}