From the Rink to the Notebook: A Cross-Curricular Lesson Focusing on Hockey Journalism (Grades 4–6)
Turning Hockey Moments into Stories Students Want to Write
Hockey is full of stories. A quick breakout pass. A last-second save. A teammate tapping sticks after a good shift. This lesson invites students to slow those hockey moments down, notice the details, and turn what they see on the floor (or screen) into clear, engaging writing. By stepping into the role of “Hockey Journalists”, students connect movement, observation, and literacy in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and fun. Whether they’re playing, watching, or reporting, everyone has a part to play.
Lesson Idea: Become a Hockey Journalist
Grades: 4–6 | Subjects: Physical Education, Language Arts, and Social Studies | Time: 2–3 class periods
Big Idea: Students will observe hockey action and write short game reports using structure, descriptive language, and voice.
Materials
Clipboards or notebooks
Pencils
Floor hockey equipment (and space for a floor hockey game)
Optional: short NHL Game Recap highlight clips (e.g., Kirk McLean Save) or still images
Simple writing templates (headline, lead, body, closing statement)
Learning Activities
Session 1: Watch the Game Like a Reporter
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
In the gymnasium, ask the students to discuss their thoughts in regard to this question: Have you ever watched a hockey game and noticed something others missed?”
Floor Hockey Game (Gymnasium; 30-45 minutes)
Organize a floor hockey game for the students to play and observe. Every few minutes, stop the game and have the students rotate roles (i.e., players, observers) … if needed so everyone gets a chance to play the game and to watch the game closely.
Ask the students observe (i.e., from the sidelines), ask the students to jot down quick notes:
Who had the puck/ball?
What happened next?
Where did the play change?
How did the latest 5 vs. 5 shift end?
Ask the students are jotting down their notes, encourage them to use shorthand—this part of the lesson isn’t about writing full and perfect sentences; it’s about catching moments.
Optional: If space or time is limited, short NHL Game Recap clips work just as well. Pause after each clip and ask students to write one sentence (or a few thoughts) about what they saw.
For example: Ask the students to watch this game-winning save by Kirk Mclean (Vancouver Canucks). Imagine what students could write about this exciting NHL clip (e.g., how the Flames thought the puck went in).
Wrap-Up
Ask the students to write one lead sentence that captures the biggest moment of the game (as observed).
Take a few moments to allow the students to share a few aloud.
Session 2: Writing the Game
Mini-Lesson (10 minutes)
Introduce the basics of a Hockey Journalist report:
Headline: keep it short and catchy
Lead: who, what, where, when
Body: key plays and details
Closing: how it ended or why it mattered
Help the students learn to keep it simple; they are not writing a novel—it’s a Game Recap.
Writing Time (25–30 minutes)
Using their observation notes, ask the students to write a brief hockey game report. Encourage action words and clear details:
“The puck slid across the floor…”
“The goalie dropped to block the shot…”
Note: A hockey vocabulary list will help students be precise without overthinking (e.g., puck, sticks, goalie pads, strong pass).
Session 3: Share the Story
Read & React (15–20 minutes)
Ask the students to choose one sentence or paragraph to read aloud. This will help keep sharing manageable and build confidence.
Class Hockey Journal
Organize the reports into a class “Hockey Journal.”
Optional: Add simple illustrations or diagrams of plays. Display the “Hockey Journal” in the classroom or hallways, and/or share it digitally.
Social Studies Connection
Talk briefly about why people care about hockey stories:
How do teams represent cities or regions?
Why do hockey fans remember certain games or moments?
How do hockey fans learn to love the game of hockey?
Students quickly see that hockey journalism is really about ‘community and connection’, not just goals, saves, and wins.
Final Whistle: Why This “Hockey Journalism” Lesson Works
Students don’t just play the game of hockey—they notice it. They learn that writing doesn’t come from nowhere; it comes from paying attention and observing the finer details. By linking a familiar, meaningful activity like hockey to literacy skills, this “Hockey Journalism” lesson helps students see themselves as both athletes and writers.
And who knows? The next great hockey story might start right there on your gymnasium floor.