Ask a group of children what their favorite day of the school year is and most will answer “FIELD DAY!” Who doesn’t like to leave the classroom (or house) for an opportunity to play?
For many of our youngest children, Field Day is one of the first competitive group activities that they participate in. They learn quickly that winning is exciting and it is disappointing to lose. What we really hope they take home at the end of the day is that it is fun to be on teams, try their best, and cheer on others. Today I’m sharing some books for teammates who are learning to read on their own.
FIELD DAY
Out and About: In My Community
By Melanie Davis Jones (author) and Albert Molnar (illustrator)
Scholastic Rookie Ready to Learn 2003
Running Fast.
Walking slow.
On your mark.
Get set. Go!
At a total of fifty words, this little book has it all – a bit of competition, fun games, supportive spectators, and snacks! The back matter includes an activity book featuring a song about working together, a matching game, and a counting race.
PETE THE CAT: Rocking Field Day
By Kimberly and James Dean
Harper 2021
I Can Read! Level 1
Pete the Cat is excited.
Today is the town’s
annual field day.
Of course, Pete wants his team to come in first. He runs in the relay, tosses balloons, and pulls in the tug-of-war. His team struggles and Pete is frustrated! But Pete doesn’t give up and learns that the best part of Field Day is being with friends.
Filled with fun a humor, young readers will enjoy reading about Pete’s fumbles, failures, and ultimate triumph.
THE BERENSTAIN BEARS PLAY A FAIR GAME
By Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
Zonderkids 2018
I Can Read! Level 1
Living Lights – A Faith Story
Brother and Sister Bear
loved all kinds of sports.
In the fall, they played soccer.
Though this book isn’t specifically about Field Day, it shows how difficult competition can become when the focus is only on winning. Brother and Sister are on a team called the Rockets coached by their father. He always reminds his players, “It’s not if you win or lose. It’s how you play the game!”. Today they are playing the Steamrollers whose coach doesn’t care how the team plays but only that they win. Things don’t look good for the Rockets and the coaches almost come to blows. Fortunately, their disappointed Sunday school teacher happens to be in the stands. She marches onto the field and reminds her former students “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Use this book to start conversations about sportsmanship.
You might be interested in these posts:
5 Tips and Ideas for an Inclusive Field Day
At Home Field Day – 10 Ways to Play
Here’s a review of my own book on sportsmanship, EVIE’S FIELD DAY: More Than One Way to Win, which has just reached its first book birthday!
Happy Book Birthday! This is a nice compilation of field day books!