Huddle Up: Sharing Game Plans For Character

St. Louis Rams quarterbacks and alumni explore the courage and character of memorable literary heroes. They read passages from the books below in podcasts you can share with your students. Click on the Rams photo to watch them as they read.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson
Marc Bulger reads from Chapter 13 as Jess Aarons, a fifth-grader, experiences the loss of his closest friend and decides how he will pay back the gifts she has given him. Themes: friendship, mentors, giving back.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Trent Green reads from Chapter 9 about young Opal's first meeting with the elderly Gloria Dump and their conversation about "terrible last names" and the way one sees another with the heart. Themes: name-calling; rumors; listening, respect, caring.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Roland Williams reads from Chapter 11, a scene in which Atticus helps young Jem understand more about their cantankerous neighbor Mrs. DuBose. Themes: courage, perseverance, determination.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles (Illustrated)
Roland Williams reads about the true experience of six-year-old Ruby Bridges as she walked into a New Orleans elementary school in 1960 as the only African-American girl in an all-white school. Themes: courage, sacrifice, changing the world for the better.

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman (Illustrated)
D'Marco Farr reads about Grace's desire to play Peter Pan and the people who say she can't. Themes: courage, perseverance, believing in yourself and your dreams.

S.W.E.E.T. Students Working to
Ensure Equal Treatment
The St. Louis Rams sponsored four middle schools as they developed the potential of Advisory (homeroom, academic labs) groups. See Huddle Up in Advisory. One result was greater student empowerment and the freedom and support to address issues.