Thinking Heroes
Curriculum  

Curriculum for 9-Year-Olds:
Developing Life Skills Through Basketball and
Productive Thinking Models
 

Overview
 

This curriculum is designed for 9-year-olds and focuses on using Edward de Bono's thinking tools, proven problem-solving techniques, and productive thinking models. This course aims to make basketball enjoyable while teaching invaluable life skills such as aspiration, planning, and efficiency, setting them up for success in any field they choose.
 

Weekly Themes and Activities
 

Aspiration and Goal Setting

• Introduction to Aspirations
   

• Activity: "Six Thinking Hats"

  • Children wear different colored hats representing different perspectives and think about their basketball goals.

  • Discuss how each perspective can help in setting and achieving goals.
     

Setting SMART Goals

• Activity: Level Specific Basketball Drills

  • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for improvement.

  • Practice drills focusing on shooting, passing, and dribbling.
     

Visualization and Motivation

• Activity: "Lateral Thinking"

  • Use lateral thinking tools to encourage creative problem solving.

  • Visualization exercises to imagine achieving their basketball goals.
    
     

Planning and Strategy

• Planning for Success
   

Activity: "Mind Mapping"

• Create mind maps for planning a basketball game strategy.

• Discuss how planning helps in achieving goals efficiently.
   

Team Strategy Session

• Activity: Practice Matches

  • Implement the strategies planned using mind maps.

  • Reflect on what worked well and what can be improved.
     

Tactical Thinking

• Activity: "Fishbone Diagrams"

  • Use fishbone diagrams to identify potential obstacles and solutions in a game.

  • Practice overcoming these obstacles through drills and mini-games.
     

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

• Identifying Problems
   

• Activity: "SWOT Analysis"

• Teach children to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in their game.

• Use this analysis to improve individual and team performance.
   

Creative Solutions

• Activity: "SCAMPER Technique"

  • Use the SCAMPER technique (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Rearrange) to solve basketball-related problems creatively.

  • Apply these solutions in practice drills.
     

Adaptability in Action

• Activity: Adaptation Drills

  • Create scenarios where children need to adapt their strategy on the fly.

  • Reflect on the importance of being flexible and adaptable in games.
    
     

Efficiency and Productivity
 

Efficient Practice

• Activity: "Pareto Principle"

  • Teach the 80/20 rule to focus on activities that yield the most results.

  • Identify the most effective drills and focus on those.
     

Team Problem-Solving

• Activity: Riddle Solving

  • Group riddles that require cooperation and discussion.

  • Highlight the importance of teamwork in problem-solving.
     

Time Management

• Activity: Timed Drills

  • Incorporate time management techniques to maximize practice efficiency.

  • Use timers to create a sense of urgency and focus.
     

Reflective Practice

• Activity: "Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI)"

  • Use PMI to evaluate each practice session.

  • Reflect on what was good, what needs improvement, and what was interesting or unexpected.

Daily Structure:

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

   • Fun, easy stretches and movements to get started.
      

2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

   • Themed activity focusing on the day's skill set
      

3. Adaptive reading (5 min )​

   • Reading a story or text related to the day's theme.

   • Engage children with questions and discussions about the story to reinforce the skill.
      

4. Reflection and Dialog (5 minutes)

   • Talk about what was learned and how it felt to practice the skills.
      

5. Match Play and Social Time (10 minutes)

   • Allow children to play real matches, fostering social interaction and relaxation.
      

Parental Involvement:

• Encourage parents to talk to their children about the day's activities.

• Provide tips for reinforcing these skills at home.

• Suggest family activities that align with the weekly themes.
   

By following this curriculum, children will develop essential character skills in a fun and supportive environment, setting a strong foundation for their future growth and success.