Junior Kindergarten: Opposition!

The Jk'ers have been so busy in our new Lower School Gym. This week the children really worked hard on stepping with the opposite foot when they throw. First we had to figure out which hand the children like to throw with (usually it is the hand we write and draw with, but not always). Then I put a clothespin (or as some children called it, a big paperclip...hmmmmm, wondering how many children have seen clothes hung on a line with clothespins) on each child's opposite pant leg as a reminder of which foot to step with. Then the children practiced throwing a ball at our big dividing wall while stepping with their opposite foot. We also played Clean Up Your Backyard to practice our skills. Next we will play Oscar's Gabage Can. Both games work on throwing, and the children are encouraged to step with the correct foot. We even practice saying the words "opposite foot." Ask your child which foot they should step with when they throw (it's a big word to say so often I get some great answers.... ossopite is common and it makes me smile every time).

Why is my child speed stacking?

First, what is speed stacking? Children at University School use special cups to up and down stack in a pre-determined sequence. If you want to see it, you can find oodles of videos online, or better yet, have your children show you (and teach you) the patterns.
There are many benefits to speed stacking for children (and adults too!). It is a great activity for hand-eye coordination, especially because the children are taught and encouraged to use both hands. Using both hands also uses both sides of the brain. Once our children at USM know the basic patterns, we turn cup stacking into fun fitness activities. The children run from stack to stack, up and down stacking. Sometimes we will have them stack with just their knees or elbows. These activities add to their muscular strength (believe me, I play with them and it is exhausting getting up and down and balancing to stack with your knees and elbows!). In addition, speed stacking builds confidence quickly in children as they become faster and learn the sequences.
I just love speed stacking. My own children do it at home, and they will often grab a set of cups from my office when they come into school in the morning. Soon we will be sending home an order form so you can order speed stacks through the USM group order. The stacks will be delivered to school. If you order through USM, you will get a discounted price. You can check out the website of the speed stacking company we use at www.speedstacks.com to learn more about the sport or to order stacks for your family.
My students in grades 1 and 2 are introduced to speed stacking. My students in grade 3-4 have speed stacking as a unit and are assessed on the patterns.