Good Sportsmanship - A Winning Mindset
Objective:
Students will understand that true sportsmanship means showing respect, controlling emotions, and learning from failure. They will learn practical strategies to manage frustration and keep a healthy perspective when things don’t go their way.
Key Concepts:
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Good Sportsmanship = Treating yourself and others with respect, even when you lose.
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Self-Control = Managing emotions when you feel angry, disappointed, or frustrated.
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Frustration Tolerance = The ability to stay calm and composed when things don’t go as planned.
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Failing Forward = Using failure as a stepping stone to growth and mastery.
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Perspective-Taking = Asking questions that help you think rationally instead of reacting emotionally.
Lesson Outline (20–30 minutes)
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Ask:
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“What does it mean to have good sportsmanship?”
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“Can you think of an example of bad sportsmanship you’ve seen—in sports, gaming, or school?”
Write student responses on the board. Then summarize:
“Good sportsmanship means respecting others and yourself, even when you lose. It’s about showing maturity and emotional strength, especially under pressure.”
2. Watch or Read Segment (5 minutes)
If showing the video:
Play the clip of Dr. Brooks explaining Good Sportsmanship.
If reading aloud:
Have a student explain why the skateboarder lost his temper, then discuss what went wrong.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Main Discussion Questions:
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Why do you think some athletes (or gamers) lose control when they fail?
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What happens inside us emotionally when we make a mistake or lose?
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What does it mean to “fail forward”? How can failure actually help us?
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Dr. Brooks asked three key questions for self-control. Let’s review them:
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How could this have been worse?
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Why won't this matter in my future?
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How could this turn out for my good?
Discuss how these questions might help someone calm down after a setback.
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Optional Activity:
Write each of those three questions on the board. Have students apply them to a personal example—something they failed at but eventually learned from. Share examples (if comfortable).
4. Reflection (5–10 minutes)
Personal Reflection Prompt:
“Think about a time you got upset after losing or making a mistake. What could you have done differently? Which of the three questions would have helped you most?”
Students can:
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Write a short paragraph response
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Or share verbally in pairs or small groups
Teacher Discussion Guide
| Concept | Talking Points / Teacher Prompts |
|---|---|
| Respect for Opponents | “Why is respect important even when someone beats you? How does losing with grace make you stronger?” |
| Self-Control | “Self-control isn’t just about not yelling—it’s about managing your thoughts before they control you.” |
| Perspective | “When we zoom out, we see that one mistake doesn’t define us—it’s part of a bigger story of growth.” |
| Resilience | “Skateboarders fall hundreds of times before mastering a trick. What can we learn from their persistence?” |
| Acceptance | “Sometimes you’ll never master a skill—and that’s okay. What matters is redirecting your focus toward what you can improve.” |
Key Takeaway:
True winners aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who stay calm, keep learning, and show respect no matter what.
Optional Extension Activities
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Role-Play:
Students act out a scenario of poor sportsmanship and then replay it showing emotional control and good sportsmanship. -
Sportsmanship Pledge:
As a class, create a “Good Sportsmanship Code” to post on the wall or include in your classroom rules. -
Journal Challenge:
For one week, track moments when you get frustrated. Each time, write how you handled it and what you could do better next time.