Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. How might someone describe football to someone who is unfamiliar with the game? Why might football be important in American culture? How does football impact high schools? What might be some of the benefits for students who have a successful football career?

Teaching Suggestion: The Blind Side is about a socioeconomically disadvantaged student, Michael Oher, who is adopted by a white upper-class family in Memphis. Michael’s prospects change drastically as his adopted family, the Tuohys, ensure Michael receives the tutoring and instruction he needs to become an athlete at Ole Miss. Consider discussing the rules of football and the role of the sport in American culture and schools.

• This 2-minute video describes the basics of understanding American football.
• This 6-minute video makes the case for sports and their benefits in education.

2. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of a career in sports? Do you think success in sports is influenced by social background, wealth, or other factors? What role might coaches, connections, and school choice play in promoting athletes? What might be the probability of any single student becoming a professional athlete?