As K-12 educators, we strive to inspire our students by sharing stories of individuals who have overcome obstacles and achieved greatness. One such individual is Lynn Swann, an icon both on and off the football field. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to teach and engage students with Lynn Swann’s story, making it relevant for a younger audience.
Lynn Swann, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, played nine seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver and was part of four Super Bowl-winning teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His story of perseverance began early in his life when he took up dance lessons to improve his coordination and footwork – a decision that initially brought ridicule from his peers.
Lesson Idea 1: Create a Timeline
Creating a visual timeline of Lynn Swann’s life and career will allow students to see his journey firsthand. Provide students with necessary information about key milestones, including his childhood, college years at the University of Southern California, NFL career, and post-NFL accomplishments such as becoming an NBC Sports broadcaster.
Lesson Idea 2: Compare and Contrast
Have your students compare and contrast different athletes, their backgrounds, and their paths to success. This activity encourages critical thinking by having students examine the unique challenges faced by individuals like Lynn Swann compared to other athletic role models they already know.
Lesson Idea 3: The Benefits of Being Multitalented
Discuss Lynn Swann’s decision to take dance lessons as a way to improve his football skills. Encourage students to brainstorm other examples where developing multiple talents helped an individual become more successful – this can span across various disciplines such as music, art, or academics. By showing how versatility can lead to success, you’ll help motivate your students to cultivate diverse interests.
Lesson Idea 4: Inspirational Quotes
Ask your students to research memorable quotes from Lynn Swann. Even though he has many famous quotes about football, they can also find quotes on overcoming obstacles, determination, and hard work. Each student can share a quote they found particularly inspiring and explain how it relates to their own lives.
Lesson Idea 5: Collaborative Mural
Create a collaborative classroom mural that focuses on key moments of Lynn Swann’s career and life. Encourage students to include elements like important plays, career milestones, or personal achievements as well as symbols that represent Swann’s character and values.
By integrating these activities into your lesson plans, you’ll be able to introduce your K-12 students to the inspiring story of Lynn Swann. His unique path to success serves as a reminder to students that hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace diverse talents can lead them toward a bright future.
