Acknowledgements

Subject: Language ArtsLesson Title: Breaking the Color Barrier: The KansasComet’s RoommateGoals/Objectives:• Create, critique and discuss print and nonprint texts.• Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questionsand by posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety ofsources (e.g., print and nonprint displays and artifacts) to communicate theirdiscoveries.• Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., video,displays, databases) to gather and synthesize information and to create andcommunicate knowledge.• Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use,patterns and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions and socialroles.• Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purpose(e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and exchange of information).National Standards met: Language Arts – 6G, 7I, 8I, 9I, 12JMethods/Procedures:• Students will read Brian’s Song in either the play or novel version as a class anddiscuss the two protagonists (Gale Sayers, Brian Piccolo) in detail and theirrelationship. Individually, students will list ways in which Gale and Brian were similarand ways in which they were different.• Students, as a class, will compile a list of similarities and differences for Gale andBrian. The list should be placed on a chart that can be posted in the classroom.• Students will then view excerpts from the original Emmy-winning TV broadcast ofBrian’s Song starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Students will be shown thespecific video scene where Gale is called into Coach Halas’s office and asked if hecan handle rooming with Brian and all the public outrage that will result from the firstblack/white rooming arrangement. This scene is approximately 30 minutes into thevideo.• Students would be given an assignment to research this or any other color barrier anyAfrican American Hall of Famer broke and gather the facts or bits of information toshare with the class. Students would be encouraged to access the Hall’s official site:Profootballhof.com.• Using the Hall of Fame’s website, students will gather information on Gale Sayers.Students will assume the role of a reporter or newscaster for one of the majornewspapers or networks and write a story about what Gale must have experiencedwhen he agreed to room with Brian Piccolo. Students may also write from Brian’sperspective.LANGUAGE ARTSNew England Patriots Edition 29 Pro Football Hall of Fame Educational Outreach Program