April/May 2005

A fun magazine for kids!

A Sporting Good Time in Kansas

From the foot races of the ancient Greek Olympics...to the games of skill and chance played by Native Americans...to the baseball games played by Civil War soldiers...to the newly invented basketball game played in 1898 in Kansas...to today's soccer fields filled with young players...sports have been a part of people's lives. And in Kansas, sports have had new beginnings and long histories.

This issue of Kaleidoscope offers interesting stories of sports in early day Kansas, as well as sports offered today. What's new and what's old? How have they changed? What affects the popularity of sports? Read on to learn more!

For Parents and Teachers:

Organized sports for children are more popular than ever. This issue gives students a historical perspective of the subject. Most sports have evolved over time but one thing has stayed the same--"it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." We hope all students will practice good sportsmanship while enjoying a fun and safe summer vacation.

In the spring of 1855 Isaac and Ellen Goodnow moved to Kansas following their antislavery beliefs.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded to preserve the rich history of African-American baseball.

If you live in Kansas, it is hard not to hear about University of Kansas basketball. KU has a long history of top ranked teams.

The chant can be heard at every KU sporting event. Some believe that the chant dates back to 1866.

When James Naismith invented basketball, it was considered a sport for men and boys. That is, until a year later when Senda Berenson adapted the game for women.

The world of sports for women changed dramatically in 1972. The U.S. Congress passed a law known as Title IX.

Spring is track season. Track is also one of the oldest sporting events in history.

Eight-year-old Glen Cunningham arrived at school on the Kansas prairie one cold February morning in 1916. Glen sat patiently at his desk as his brother Floyd prepared to light the stove to heat the room.

How does a war bring about a new national pastime? No one knows who invented the game of baseball but many believe it evolved from an English game called rounders.

Kansas City Monarchs

During the early years of baseball, a few African Americans were able to play with whites on professional teams. Although they were allowed to play, fans and other players did not always treat them well.

Perhaps the newest "craze" for team sports in Kansas is soccer. Soccer is a very old sport with ties to England.

What begins with the carrying of a torch and ends with the awarding of medals? What brings people of all ages together to compete in many, many sporting events?

Last summer Robin Thomas, a seventh-grader at Landon Middle School in Topeka competed in the 3-on-3 soccer games at the Sunflower State Games. Kaleidoscope was there to talk with Robin.

In the last 150 years, the popularity of sports has grown by leaps and bounds. Many reasons have caused sports to blossom.

Did you know that your body's natural cooling system is your sweat? Because we sweat during activities it is very important to stay hydrated.

Every year 3.5 million kids under the age of 14 are treated for sports injuries. Find some tips to help you stay safe this summer!

Teacher Supplement