Grade 6: Thriving Amongst Pandemic Challenges
Graland P.E. teachers, including Bambi Mayo who is also Graland’s athletic director, have been creative with the use of space and equipment this year to offer physical activities that are fun and engaging.
“If the kids got to decide, they would play dodgeball every day,” said Coach Mayo. “While dodging, throwing and catching are useful skills, we have been playing a wide variety of games that incorporate athletic dexterity and teach about teamwork.”
Team handball, speedball, basketball, badminton and pickleball are among the selection of games being offered. Table ball, four-square challenges and fitness are also popular. If there is enough snow in the near future, Coach Mayo is hopeful students will be cross-country skiing on Preisser Field. And, everyone looks forward to the spring, when they can take advantage of Graland’s other outdoor spaces and expand the options.
In addition to the curricular challenges, the phys-ed team has the additional task of cleaning equipment every day after every class. “We have a Ghostbuster-style sanitizing routine,” said Coach Mayo. “We spray down hockey sticks, pickleball paddles, balls of all kinds and more. We also launder 200 pinneys each day.”
While regular team sports will have to wait for the “all-clear,” Graland Grade 6 students are keeping active and moving while learning important lessons about team building and cooperation.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
