Clark students rolling merrily along to health
Centuries ago, the great Confucius said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do so.”
Whether or not Confucius had a group of young Clark Elementary School children in mind when he made that statement is doubtful, but he may have hit the proverbial nail on the head when it came to the school’s most recent endeavor in the physical education program.
Students from kindergarten through fifth grade tied on roller skates, donned wrist guards and ventured out into the world on wheels, as part of the school’s physical education program during the month of December.
With the PTO covering the cost of the skate rental, the school delved into creating a program which is from the same company that provided them with the hyper-active Dance Dance Revolution last year. This time around, the fifth grade students almost unanimously voted to give the skates a try instead of the dance routine.
“It’s one of those things that not only makes school fun, but it is great for the kids because it keeps them active,” said Renee Woods, Clark Elementary principal. “We want to be able to provide the kids with some fun new activities that they may not have had the chance to do, and this is the one that they chose.”
The skates received top billing from the school’s fifth grade class, and based on the laughter and smiles, and yes, even a few bumps along the way, which were emanating from the gymnasium, the choice was a good one.
Phys ed instructor Megan Stryker helped the students lace up and give the wheels a try, and while some ventured out as pure novices, while others seemed to know what they were doing, there was a whole lot of fun and activity going on as they trekked around the gym.
“It’s great exercise, and if they learn how to do it and enjoy it, it is something that they can do for the rest of their lives,” said Stryker of skating. “They have had a great time doing it. I have seen a great deal of improvement already just in the couple of weeks we’ve been at it.”
Even as she helped kids on with their skates, the kids were quite emphatic that she join them, with shouts of “Come on Mrs. Stryker, you gotta get out here too,” echoing throughout the gymnasium.
With an activity that is good for coordination, exercise and cardiovascular work, skating is a fantastic way to entice children into taking an active role during school.
Not that it hasn’t come with its share of bumps and bruises, but the fun far outweighs the pains that accompany the activity.
“The first couple of days after we got started, I don’t know if I could count the number of kids walking the halls holding their elbows,” said Woods with a laugh. “I think we handed out a lot of ice packs the first day alone.”
But a few bumps and bruises are a small price to pay for the joy of getting on the skates and zooming — or maybe creeping — around the gym. The fact that it is keeping the kids active is a huge bonus to this enjoyable classroom project.
Whether or not Confucius had a group of young Clark Elementary School children in mind when he made that statement is doubtful, but he may have hit the proverbial nail on the head when it came to the school’s most recent endeavor in the physical education program.
Students from kindergarten through fifth grade tied on roller skates, donned wrist guards and ventured out into the world on wheels, as part of the school’s physical education program during the month of December.
With the PTO covering the cost of the skate rental, the school delved into creating a program which is from the same company that provided them with the hyper-active Dance Dance Revolution last year. This time around, the fifth grade students almost unanimously voted to give the skates a try instead of the dance routine.
“It’s one of those things that not only makes school fun, but it is great for the kids because it keeps them active,” said Renee Woods, Clark Elementary principal. “We want to be able to provide the kids with some fun new activities that they may not have had the chance to do, and this is the one that they chose.”
The skates received top billing from the school’s fifth grade class, and based on the laughter and smiles, and yes, even a few bumps along the way, which were emanating from the gymnasium, the choice was a good one.
Phys ed instructor Megan Stryker helped the students lace up and give the wheels a try, and while some ventured out as pure novices, while others seemed to know what they were doing, there was a whole lot of fun and activity going on as they trekked around the gym.
“It’s great exercise, and if they learn how to do it and enjoy it, it is something that they can do for the rest of their lives,” said Stryker of skating. “They have had a great time doing it. I have seen a great deal of improvement already just in the couple of weeks we’ve been at it.”
Even as she helped kids on with their skates, the kids were quite emphatic that she join them, with shouts of “Come on Mrs. Stryker, you gotta get out here too,” echoing throughout the gymnasium.
With an activity that is good for coordination, exercise and cardiovascular work, skating is a fantastic way to entice children into taking an active role during school.
Not that it hasn’t come with its share of bumps and bruises, but the fun far outweighs the pains that accompany the activity.
“The first couple of days after we got started, I don’t know if I could count the number of kids walking the halls holding their elbows,” said Woods with a laugh. “I think we handed out a lot of ice packs the first day alone.”
But a few bumps and bruises are a small price to pay for the joy of getting on the skates and zooming — or maybe creeping — around the gym. The fact that it is keeping the kids active is a huge bonus to this enjoyable classroom project.
Published: December 13, 2011
