Today we brought the carpet square samples we scored from Schoolhouse Supplies, and used them to help define the space for the youngest group at Southwest Charter School. As usual, students were challenged to listen to directions and simple explanations and move safely "on" equipment [the shag] while exploring a variety of held stances and balances. It's great to be able to give Kindergarten-age children an anchor to work off of when working to reinforce right from left, and inviting them to move along different planes, with high and low. One drill that really got them going, called Around The World, involves powering out right and left low snap-kicks in the following order: R-front R-side R-back, then L-back L-side L-front.

We ended with a rousing game of TROLL, a favorite among students! A short "runway" of squares acted as path for giggling students, who individually ran, ducked, and weaved their way past Wally (who, as attacking troll, slowly swung pads about in predictable patterns). Those tagged by the troll act on the honor system to complete their requisite jumping jacks.

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