By

Susan Tyner,   Wellington El

Play:

After-School Drills and Skills

Topics:

Physical Activity Participation

The Jump Rope Team at Wellington Elementary is an ELITE group of students. Each year these students inspire and motivate others to take up the sport of jumping rope. Everywhere you look at Wellington you see kids turning ropes.  It's no surprise this school was a Top Ten School in Texas for their fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association. They are doing their part to save a heart year after year!

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

The Jump Rope Team is well established and well respected at Wellington. Students begin preparing years in advance to earn their spot on the team. The group has earned a reputation that motivates others to want to be a part of this elite group. Coaches begin teaching jump rope skills in Kindergarten and progress through all grade levels.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

We've seen students of all ages improving their overall fitness through the sport of jumping rope. At recess large groups of students are gathered on the black top turning ropes. It is so rewarding to see students having so much fun they don’t even realize how hard they’re working. Jump rope team members motivate, encourage, teach and inspire others to learn new jump rope tricks.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

Coaches recruit team members at the beginning of the year. Students who earn their spots on the team practice weekly after school to learn their routines. The coaches coordinate schedules, choreograph routines, teach, plan, conduct practices, and facilitate learning. Students exert vast amounts of energy jumping rope, improve their cardiovascular endurance, build relationships, and have fun!

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