Tae Kwon Do
Bowe School, Chicopee
Expanding the school day allowed the Bowe School to teach Tae Kwon Do to 300 students in Grades 1-5 two times per week. Taught by Black Belt Instructors from the US Tae Kwon Do Center in Wilbraham, the classes consisted of mental and physical training, with an emphasis on teaching students how to focus and concentrate while building confidence and self-esteem. Correct breathing, balance, stretching, and self defense techniques were evaluated and documented at the end of the session. Students were given a clear understanding of how concepts learned in class can be applied in other contexts. The program culminated with a testing and belt ceremony in which students demonstrated the skills they learned in class in front of their parents, teachers, and peers. All participating students earned their Yellow Belts.
Rock Climbing
Chandler Elementary and Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, Worcester
Rock climbing classes were offered at both Chandler Elementary and Jacob Hiatt Magnet schools in Worcester through a partnership with the YMCA of Central MA. Rock climbing is offered as a 6–8 week, once weekly class to different grade levels on a rotating basis throughout the year. Students walk to the Central Branch of the YMCA, escorted by their classroom teachers, and participate in rock climbing instruction and practice led by certified climbing instructors that work for the YMCA. The class allows students to use their whole body in an activity few of their peers have ever tried, as well as providing an opportunity for team-building between students, teachers, and YMCA staff.
Ping-Pong
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School, Cambridge
As part of the school’s Chinese language and culture programs, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students’ physical education classes focused on Ping-Pong. The class was offered as one of seven spring electives and met twice a week for 1 hour each day. Students learned about the history of the game—which is considered the national sport of China—and the 2008 Summer Olympic event that was coming up in Beijing. They learned how to play the game and developed their skills so they could compete in multi-rally games by the end of the semester. This new elective enhances the Chinese language and cultural programming already in place at the school.
Circus Arts
Greenfield Middle School, Greenfield
Circus Arts was offered to 5th and 6th grade students as a physical education elective designed to increase flexibility, focus, dramatic arts, and stamina. The class met three days a week for seven weeks during the school’s afternoon enrichment and academic support block. Through a partnership with the performance group Double Vision, students learned acrobatic skills like juggling, walking a tight rope, mime, and balance from a professional performing artist. Along with these skills, the elective integrated ideas around body language, anti-bullying, respect, concentration, teamwork, and leadership. Through movement and theater, the class aimed to offer solutions and alternatives to the daily challenges many middle school students face. While Double Vision performs frequently in schools across New England, ELT at Greenfield Middle gave them the opportunity to act as an “artist-in-residence” and work more closely with students over the course of a semester.
