My first year of teaching in the Coachella Valley, I realized that these kids have never been to a professional sporting event. Not only do we live in a low income area, but we live at least 2 hours away from the closest major sports team. Determined to give my students something real to strive for, I took them to a Lakers game. What happened was more than just a game.
We saw the Staples Center and the excitement began. Boys came to the front to take pictures, girls went to the back to do their makeup, and I just smiled.
The game didn't even need to get played. We must've only watched 15 minutes of it. They wanted to see the pro shop, take pictures next to Kobe cardboard cutouts, walk around the stadium, and experience the experience. Immediately, I knew that I had something. So, ever since then, I've taken a group of deserving students to a major sports event (aside from the years that my wife and I had our kids) and they've been the best memories of the year.
This post is not only a way for me to reflect on this year's trip, but also a blueprint of how to do something similar for your students if you've ever thought of it. Feel free to comment at the end of this or hunt me down on Twitter if you want specifics for your trip.