Kobe Bryant, the legendary basketball player, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. He was not only an icon in the sports world but also an inspiration for millions of people around the globe.
As educators, it is our responsibility to educate and inform our students about the significant contributions of influential people like Kobe Bryant. Introducing students to Kobe Bryant’s life, career, and legacy can be a great way for them to learn not only about basketball but also about the values like hard work, resilience, and perseverance that made him who he was.
Here are some suggestions for teaching students about Kobe Bryant:
1. Start with Kobe’s early life: Begin the lesson by exploring Kobe’s early life, where he was born and raised, and his experiences growing up. Use various sources, including books, articles, and videos, to provide a comprehensive overview of his childhood years, where he started playing basketball, and his initial struggles to make it to the NBA.
2. Explore Kobe’s basketball career: After discussing his background, delve more into Kobe’s career in basketball. This includes his exceptional performances on the court, his NBA championships, and the many records he broke throughout his career. Encourage students to watch some of his most memorable games, analyze his playing style, and identify what made him stand out as a professional basketball player.
3. Highlight his work ethic and values: Kobe was famous for his incredible work ethic and dedication, which helped him become one of the all-time greats in basketball history. Showcase some of his most inspiring quotes on hard work and perseverance and discuss how these values can apply not just to basketball but also to our daily lives.
4. Talk about his legacy: While Kobe may have left us too soon, his legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. Take some time to discuss how his life and career impacted the lives of others, including his work in supporting youth sports programs worldwide and his contributions to ending homelessness. Encourage students to think about how they can emulate Kobe’s ideas and values in their own lives.
