Watch CBS News

L.I. Teachers Use Giants' Success To Help Pre-K Students

OAKDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Every month, Arthur Premm Elementary in Suffolk County picks a different theme to focus on, and though the traditional February theme is Valentine's Day, with the Giants set to rematch the Patriots in the Super Bowl, this theme is all Big Blue.

Teachers are using the love of the game for to help in pre-K learning, from drills to decorations.

Little Kenzie Kost gave CBS 2's Cindy Hsu a tour, show off a makeshift football field and her touchdown runaround.

Asked what's going to happen on Sunday, the 4-year-old answered: "Go crazy."

Gavin has been wearing his Giants jersey for weeks, and is true blue all the way through, in part from blue icing cupcakes..

Four-year-old Isabella Puco came to school, showing off her mom's Giants jersey. "It's my moms shirt," she told Hsu.

The class has a mix of special education and mainstream students and teachers say using the love of football for the past week has helped motivate them to learn.

"When we're excited, they're excited, and it just carries over to all that they do," said Pam Leigh, speech pathologist.

Though most were excited over the theme, the kids were more reserved as far as predictions for Sunday.

Isabella Parise said the Giants will win, but asked if they were going to win big, the 5-year-old said "Maybe."

"I like the Jets and the Giants both...I like both equally," 5-year-old Christian Martinez laughed.

The focus has been on the Giants, but not all were pint-sized Giants fans.

Asked who his favorite team is, 4-year-old Alex Biondi said the Jets, all while wearing a Jets jersey.

Does he like the Giants even a little bit? Alex' answer to Hsu was direct and clear: "No."

Please leave a comment below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.