How to use the novel Keeping Score as a Unit of Study

In my search for Historical Fiction books outside of the World War II era, I found this gem, Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park. In this book, you will fall in step with Maggie a New York born Brooklyn fan, who learns about life as she tackles the art of keeping score of baseball games at the local firehouse.

Similar to the Paper Wishes Literature Unit, this unit of study will have your child exploring the history of baseball, the Korean war, life in New York in the 1950’s, and so much more.

 

Literature:

 

• Letters: Throughout the novel Jim and Maggie write back and forth to each other while he is in Korea. Discuss different formats of letters, personal, business, and formal.
  • Write a letter to a friend summarizing the novel once you have finished reading it.

 

• Discussion and/or Short Answer Questions:
  1. How did baseball mold/shape Maggie’s life? What has helped mold/shape your life?
  2. How does Maggie deal with disappointment? What kinds of disappointment does Maggie face throughout the novel?
  3. How does Maggie use newspapers throughout the novel?

 

• Vocabulary. This novel allows for some wonderful vocabulary practice both with baseball and war terms, but also in general.

 

• Compare and Contrast. Think about some of the things that happened in the novel. Compare and contrast what happened then (1950’s) with what WOULD happen today. Give specific details.

History:

 

• American History. Research and discuss what was going on in the United States during the 1950’s.
  • 1950’s. Create a poster, PowerPoint, or just take notes. Give a brief overview of what was going on in the U.S. during the 1950’s.
  • Korean War. Specifically look at the Korean War. What was the United States’ position? Take a look at some primary source documents and maps from here to aid in your discussion.

 

• Current Events. Maggie uses newspaper clippings to help her understand and keep track of what is going on in Korea as well as baseball.
  • Using real newspapers or even newspapers online, find a topic or current event that is interesting to you. Clip as many articles as you can from a variety of newspapers.
    1. Create a collage of your articles.
    2. Write a short summary describing what you learned.

 

• Baseball. Research the history of baseball. How did it begin? How were leagues and teams formed?
  1. Choose a baseball player from the novel to research. You can write a report, create a baseball card, or create a word cloud to describe your findings.
  2. Create a timeline that shows how baseball has changed over time. 
  3. Map all of the Major League teams using a dry erase map of the United States.

 

Math/STEM:

 

• The National AfterSchool Association has some great STEM activities. Check out their Frozen Baseball STEM activity. 

 

• Baseball math. Learn baseball statistics and more with this Fun with Baseball Stats activity. 

 

• Throw a baseball. Using the lesson from Scientific American you can learn the Physics of Baseball.

 

Projects:

 

• Score! Learn how to score a baseball game. Baseball can be a very complicated game to keep score of. Use this video or this website to help you learn how to keep score the way Maggie does.

 

• Joe DiMaggio. Joe DiMaggio is Maggie’s name sake. Create a baseball card for Joe DiMaggio. Who was he? What is he known for?

 

• Draw a picture of Maggie’s street, with the Dodger’s game blaring from every house, as she walked home from the firehouse.

 

• Build a firehouse as described by Maggie in the story. You can use wood, cardboard, or any other material of your choice.

 

• Careers. Maggie and Treecie discuss possible careers that they are interested in, photography and journalism being two of them. Research careers that you think you may be interested in. What educational requirements do they have?

 

• Watch/Read a Skit.  Watch the 1930’s Who’s on First? skit with Abbott and Costello or read the book. Discuss the different positions in baseball.

 

Field Trip:

 

• Go to a Baseball game. Use your new score keeping talents and cheer on your favorite team!

 

• Korean War Memorial. Visit a Korean War Memorial if there is one near your home. Visit KoreanWar.org for a complete list of Memorials around the Nation.

 

Unique Hashtag: LLLGScore

Pinterest: Keeping Score Literature Unit

Thanks for checking out the Keeping Score Literature Unit. I hope you enjoy it!  Please let me know if you come up with any other wonderful activities or ideas.

As always if you are interested in a specific Literature Unit or activities, feel free to let me know. My hope is that these units can bless you and your children as you explore Historical Fiction, Literature, and the historical aspects that go with them.

Do you have a baseball lover? Check out these great baseball stories at compiled by Christine Trevino.

 

 

 

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