Shaquille O’Neal: Using a Basketball Star to Motivate Readers

by Sarah Dennis, Brockton, Massachusetts

Overview

Students today are often “too busy” to read because they are watching television or playing video games. Reading and reflecting on a story written by a celebrity like Shaquille O’Neal can help motivate otherwise reluctant readers. Students will read two different versions of a story—the classic version of Jack and the Beanstalk and the version written by Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq and the Beanstalk. Working in small groups, students will gather ideas and compare and contrast the different versions of the story. Students will then write their own version of the story.

From theory to practice

Towell, J.H. (2001). Using celebrities to motivate students to read. The Reading Teacher, 55, 22–26.

Books written about and by celebrities have been shown to motivate students to read.

“A diverse reading program with a variety of materials and the freedom to read purely for enjoyment may greatly improve the chances of motivating every student.”

Students get more enjoyment and excitement out of reading if the topics are relevant to their lives and interests.

Student objectives

Students will

Listen to Shaq and the Beanstalk by Shaquille O’Neal, as well as the traditional version, Jack and the Beanstalk

Compare story elements between the two versions and develop story elements for their own version

Complete an interactive Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two versions

Write a personalized version of the story

Instructional plan

Preparation

1. Before beginning the lesson, test your computer’s audio equipment by going to the read-aloud of Shaq and the Beanstalk.

2. Copy a sample Venn diagram and comparison worksheet onto transparency or chart paper to model comparisons for students.

3. Make one copy of the comparison worksheet for each student.

Instruction and activities

Day 1

Before Reading: Ask students what they know about Shaquille O’Neal. Record their answers on chart paper. Ask them if they knew that Shaquille O’Neal was an author. Tell students that they will be listening to Shaquille O’Neal read one of his stories aloud. Show students the cover of Shaq and the Beanstalk and Other Very Tall Tales and ask them to make predictions about the story. Record their predictions on chart paper.

During Reading: Ask students to listen to Shaquille O’Neal read his story and follow along. Stop the reading intermittently to allow students time to summarize and make predictions.

After Reading: After listening to the story, encourage students to reflect on the story. Ask questions, such as:

Was the story what you expected?

What was it like to hear an author read his story rather than reading it yourself?

Display a sample comparison worksheet on transparency or chart paper, and help students determine the story elements of Shaq and the Beanstalk. When the chart is complete, have students copy the information on their own comparison worksheet. Then ask students to answer one of the extension questions at the bottom of the worksheet.

Day 2

Before Reading: Show students the cover of Jack and the Beanstalk and ask them to predict how this story will be the same or different from Shaq’s story. Display a sample Venn diagram on transparency or chart paper, and encourage students to be on the lookout for similarities and differences as they listen to this story.

During Reading: Ask students to listen to Jack and the Beanstalk and read along. Stop the reading intermittently to allow students time to summarize and make predictions.

After Reading: After listening to the story, work with students to complete the interactive Venn diagram. Students may compare various story elements, including plot, setting, and characters. Make sure that they print out a copy of their Venn diagram before shutting down the computer. Next, ask students to use the comparison worksheet from the previous day and fill out the story elements of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Day 3

Review elements of each story using the comparison worksheet and Venn diagram printout. Explain to students that they will be writing their own versions of Jack and the Beanstalk called (Their name) and the Beanstalk. Before they begin, use the comparison worksheet again to have students fill out the story elements for their own story as a prewriting graphic organizer.

Have students write a rough draft of their story and trade with a partner for peer review. After students rewrite their story with corrections, have them draw illustrations and read their story aloud to the class.

Extensions

Bring in other stories about or by celebrities or sports stars. Allow student to read and discuss these stories in class.

Have students write a letter to Shaquille O’Neal about the story he wrote and why they liked it. Students may also want to send copies of their own story to Shaq.

Student assessment/reflections

Use each student’s comparison worksheet, Venn diagram printout, and story to assess his or her knowledge of story elements and comprehension.

Assess students’ motivation to read after studying a story written by a basketball star. Are they more interested in reading? Were they surprised to hear a story written by a celebrity? Has it led to any new interests in reading for reluctant readers?