Outline

Working Thesis: Participating in competitive sports enables elementary-age students to learn cooperation, communication and competition. I. Introduction

II. Define competitive sports as applied to elementary students A. Opportunities 1. Interscholastic, intramural, and club programs B. Family commitment C. Participation (how many and in what sports?)

III. Benefits of participating in competitive sports A. Health/fitness 1. Alternate ways of exercising 2. Activities using of all muscle groups 3. Reduce Obesity B. Learn cooperation 1. Why cooperation is important 2. How they learn it from competitive sports 3. How this skill benefits/them later in life C. Learn communication 1. How they learn communication? 2. What types of communication techniques? 3. Verbal vs. Nonverbal D. Learn healthy competition 1. The role of sportsmanship 2. Being supportive of teammates 3. How to learn from losing

IV. Problems with participating in competitive sports A. Time management B. Cost to participate in leagues C. To many activities or focusing only on one sport

V. Finding success A. Compare those who have participated with those who have not