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< Back An Unforgettable Day at the NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship A full-on day of maths, sportspersonship and fun! Previous Next

< Back Learning and growing through Game Changers Game Changers helped Tigist develop skills, connections, and community impact Jasper Menor Previous Next

< Back Empowering Early Careers Howard's Story Emily Maiorana Previous Next

NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. < Back Unleashing the Power of Sport to Improve Numeracy Emily O'Halloran 9 May 2024 NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. In the words of Nelson Mandela, " Sport has the power to change the world…to inspire...to unite people... It speaks to youth in a language they understand." This wisdom transcends beyond the playing field and resonates within our classrooms. Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health underscores the connection between sports-based learning activities and heightened student motivation, improved attendance, and enhanced academic performance. But what about the specific links between sport and mathematics? The evidence is compelling. In a 2017 study, Sanchal and Sharma found that introducing a sports context in learning improved attitudes towards maths. Furthermore, findings from the American Institutes for Research demonstrated that students engaged in sports-related maths programs showed enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and overall maths proficiency. As a former Numeracy Leader, I've seen firsthand the transformative effect of infusing sports into maths lessons. Games like dodgeball for statistics, BinBall for percentages, and table soccer for angles make abstract concepts tangible, fun and playful experiences. Lessons like "Impossible Soccer Angles" and "Kicking Goals," part of the Middle Years Mathematics Challenges series by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, demonstrate how maths and sports can not only break down barriers but also make learning fun and engaging. While integrating sport and play into lessons is undoubtedly beneficial, the reality is that it demands precious energy and time, both of which are scarce commodities for teachers. Fortunately, there are quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resources available. One standout example is NBA Math Hoops, a program designed by Learn Fresh for primary and junior secondary students. In NBA Math Hoops, students simulate basketball games using a board game format that incorporates real-life statistical data from NBA players. Through this engaging approach, students not only reinforce their mathematical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of numeracy in everyday life. Students draft NBA players for their team, assess player statistics, strategise game moves, and make decisions based on mathematical principles. The success of NBA Math Hoops and similar programs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and real-world applications. By incorporating sports into the learning process, students are more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic about maths. The dynamic nature of sport fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – all essential components of mathematical proficiency. Harriet Dunn, a primary school teacher from Merri-Bek Primary School, put it very simply after bringing NBA Math Hoops into her classroom: “For once the students looked forward to maths lessons”. The power of sports to engage students in maths is not just theoretical; it's real and transformative. As school leaders, consider championing programs like NBA Math Hoops to create an environment where learning becomes synonymous with excitement. Get free access to NBA Math Hoops in your school and explore how The Huddle is improving education and employment outcomes through the power of sport by following this link: https://www.thehuddle.org.au/nbamathhoops Previous Next

< Back African Music & Cultural Festival 2023 Celebrating 10 years of the African Music and Cultural Festival Claudie Groves Previous Next

< Back Heating up the holidays with a Volleyball Tournament! The holidays got heated at the Huddle Holidays Volleyball Tournament! Previous Next

< Back Unleashing the Power of Sport to Improve Numeracy NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. Emily O'Halloran Previous Next

< Back Young Voices Shaping North Melbourne Community Centre Youth Advisory Group builds stronger connections between young people and key decision makers Zakaria Farah Previous Next

< Back Oscar Becomes First Aussie to Win NBA Math Hoops Global Championship 10-year-old Oscar and his teammate The Rip City Roos bring home the trophy from New York. Previous Next

< Back Volunteer Get to Know: Eli As The Huddle’s impact in the Wyndham area continues to grow, our volunteers and their connections to the community are vital in helping young people learn, grow and belong Riley Goodwin Previous Next

< Back Game Day Featuring special guests Luke Davies-Uniacke and Mia King Previous Next

A cracking day for footy and an immersive introduction to Aussie Rules. < Back Welcome to AFL hops into Arden Street Xavier Smith 31 Oct 2024 A cracking day for footy and an immersive introduction to Aussie Rules. In what was a cracking day for footy, North Melbourne and The Huddle hosted its latest Welcome to AFL event during the AFLW Week 6 match between our mighty Kangaroos and the Western Bulldogs at Arden Street, drawing in 80 participants, many of whom experienced their first AFLW game. This event offered an immersive introduction to Australian football culture, complete with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at North Melbourne’s spiritual home and a kick-to-kick session on the iconic Arden Street Oval. The excitement of the day was further heightened as our North Melbourne AFLW team triumphed with a resounding 55-point victory. Among the attendees, international student Kristy Feng expressed her appreciation, saying, “The Welcome to AFL event is a must-try experience for international students in Melbourne. It was such a great and fun experience for myself and my friends. We shared joy and laughter in the activities, which also deepened our friendships. Sport is one of the best ways to socialize with people from diverse backgrounds and students from other educational institutions within Melbourne. The Welcome to AFL event helps connect international students to Australian culture.” The program provided a welcoming platform for participants to experience the excitement of the game, meet new friends, and immerse themselves in Australian culture, making it a highlight not only for the participants, but of North Melbourne’s AFLW season. We can’t wait to see you at a Welcome to AFL event in 2025. Previous Next