DECEMBER - BASKETBALL'S BIRTHDAY

James Naismith, a phys ed teacher at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, tacked up some peach baskets at opposite ends of the gymnasium the first week of December in 1891.  Looking for a winter activity to keep kids fit, he handed out soccer balls and instructed students to aim for the baskets.  Basketball was born.

Tip:  Who won last night?  Pull out the sports section of your local newspaper and help your kids find the scores of basketball games.  Have them circle the winner.  BONUS!  Ask them to figure out by how many points the winning team was victorious.