"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall."

Grades 3-6 have been working hard on improving their volleyball skills and have moved on to game play for this week. For Grades 3-4, we focus on lead up games, taking small steps to the real game rules. For example, today instead of playing with a regular height net, we had thick blue tape along the whole gym floor. The tape separated the gym into two courts. We had two mini volleyball games going on at the same time, so that students could get more touches on the ball. Rather than playing the regular rules of hitting it over before it touches the ground, the students were allowed to let it bounce once, and then continue working as a team to get the  ball to the other side of the "net". Without a net height, the students did not have to worry about pushing the ball up high enough, only getting it over to the other team. We will continue changing the rules as the students improve.

I am also introducing Eclipse Ball to the students. Or as the kids call it, the "Beach Ball!" They have loved Eclipse Ball so far. It includes rules like letting the ball bounce 1-2 times, hitting it, heading it, or kicking it, no boundaries, and a whole lot of fun. This is a great game to throw into a volleyball unit because you still have to figure out how to work as a team to accomplish the goal of getting the ball over the net.

After 2 snow days this week, Christmas Break is coming quickly! Remind your students to get involved in Fuel Up to Play 60 online over break. :)

That's all for now!