Jai-Lai at Maple Ave

This week the students will be participating in jai-lai during physical education classes.  The students will be using hi-li scoops, which are a common summer activity.  The classes will be learning about the traditional game of jai-lai, along with activities they can play with their scoops at home.  We will be talking about the release point, where the ball comes out of the scoop, how to catch correctly, along with different throwing techniques.  It should be a fun activity to learn about that can be played during the summer!

Intergenerational Wellness Walk Today

Both, Bartlett and MAES, will be participating in the Intergenerational Wellness Walk today.  This walk is sponsored by the Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness, and is a tool to promote living a healthy, physically active lifestyle.  Both of the schools will be participating at satellite locations (near the schools), while many schools around the state will be walking together in Concord.  This is a great way to remind us the importance of being healthy and active especially with  the warm weather months here!  Enjoy the walk today!

Lacrosse/Golf

The first and second graders are involved with a new unit here at Maple Avenue, golf.  This unit will discuss some of the history of the game, along with some rules, and golf terms.   We will also discuss different parts of the course and why clubs look the way they do.  The students will focus on chipping and putting with plastic clubs that are designed for this age group.  The third and fourth graders will be using this time to work on Lacrosse.  Here they will learn the history of the game along with rules and differences between male/female lacrosse games.  The students will specifically work on throwing and catching, while integrating some throwing challenges into the mix.  Both of these units have a rich history behind them, so please ask your students about it!

Dancin' In the Dark

This week the classes will be finishing up their dance unit.  This dance unit focus on the benefits of dance: great exercise, fun, and a lifetime activity.  The students participate in a number of line dances like the Hokey Pokey, Chicken Dance, Cha Cha Slide, Cotton-Eye-Joe, Men In Black, and Macarena.  They also have time at the end of each class to free dance and express themselves how they think it fits the music.  To make the class more exciting we have the lights off and a funky light projected up on the wall.  This helps convert the gym into a "dance club."  The students really love this and helps get them a little more excited about dancing.  Ask your children to show you their great moves!