Letters to the NFL

Students in Makayla Townsend’s second grade class are learning to draft more than just writing assignments this school year. They are drafting their own NFL teams! In the process, Mrs. Townsend hopes to “bring the students together and form real bonds and meaningful relationships.” 

At the beginning of the year, each student randomly drew the name of an American professional football team and was given five minutes to trade with another student if they wished. Each student then wrote a letter to their selected team explaining why they chose to draft them and what they like about football. They also asked the teams questions, such as “Who is the fastest player on your team?” or “What meal do you eat before a big game?”.

“While we have been anxiously awaiting each of the teams’ replies, we do weekly NFL recaps on Monday mornings. We talk about the games that were played, wins and losses, and what games are coming up. This creates conversations between all of my students, connects school and home life, gives them something to look forward to each week, and allows them to apply reading and writing in a fun, real-world context,” said Townsend. 

Wouldn’t you know it? NFL teams have started responding! 

“It’s been such a joy seeing how much pride they take in their teams!” said Townsend.