Speed Stacking is Finally Here!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART was a GREAT success. Our K-6 Students at Crossroads Charter Academy raised $2,062 for the American Heart Association. The kids had a great finale showcasing their new jump rope skills. They are very proud to be helping kids who need healthier hearts.

After much anticipation from the kids, cup stacking is finally here! Cup Stacking (or sport stacking) is a new and different P.E. activity unit that focuses a lot on hand eye coordination, using both sides of the brain, and incorporating fitness activities into the different cup stacking skills learned.

Early 1980's: Originated in the early 1980's in southern California and received national attention in 1990 on a segment of the "Tonight Show", with Johnny Carson. That was where it first captured the imagination of Bob Fox, who was then an elementary classroom teacher in Colorado.
1998: Speed Stacking, Inc. was born
2007: Over 20,000 schools now have Sport Stacking as part of their P.E. program


No, this isn't the best cardio workout or a traditional sport... so why include it in P.E.?

FITNESS: "Sport Stacking is a fitness based sport that kids from all backgrounds and abilities can do. For the athlete and non-athlete alike, regardless if you are instructing eighth graders or kindergartners, sport stacking can be a great enhancement for your fitness routine. With over 70 fitness based activities, sport stacking helps to motivate kids to be active and fit. Teachers and parents also like sport stacking because it can be done at home."

SELF ESTEEM: "One of the comments we receive consistently from teachers, parents and school administrators is how sport stacking levels the playing field for their kids. Non-Athletic kids can now compete head to head with their more athletic counterparts. This significantly raises their self-esteem, motivating them to work harder in PE and be excited to participate. It's a WIN, WIN!"


ACADEMICS: "Students that sport stack on a regular basis have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration. This is achieved by students using both their right and left sides of their brain. When students sport stack they are crossing the "midline" of their bodies and developing new connections in their brains. These new connections help to spur brain growth which in turn promotes greater academic achievement."


Want to learn more benefits to Speed Stacking?
Visit:
http://www.speedstacks.com/about/benefits.php

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART!

After a two day school week, I am ready for tomorrow to work extra hard to get our students ready for this Friday's Jump Rope for Heart Event!

Due to Blizzard 2011, each student only had ONE P.E. class last week, which was the first lesson in our Jump Rope Unit. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to get ready for Friday.

Why do we participate in Jump Rope For Heart?

1. A Service Project: Students have a chance to make a difference. They have two weeks to raise money by asking for donations to the American Heart Association.
2. It is a FUN way to include a great physical activity: Jump Rope
3. Jump Rope For Heart Coordinators make it EASY to participate by delivering: posters, new jump ropes, cool lesson plans, thank you gifts for students, and a LOT more!
4. Students learn more than how to jump rope: How the Heart Works, Heart Disease Risk Factors, and Nutrition.
5. Students get to showcase their learned jump rope skills in a final "Jump Rope for Heart Event" when their family members are invited to watch or participate with them in P.E. class.

 It's going to be a busy and fun week! Hopefully no more snow days... :)

Mrs. Verkaik