Wantagh physical education teachers have been utilizing their creativity to design fitness units that not only allow for social distancing but keep students engaged and improving fitness skills. At Mandalay Elementary School, one such unit called the Turkey Trot, was designed to improve balancing, underhand tossing, jumping and balance, in addition to making young bodies healthy and strong.
Under the direction of teacher Jared Bursky, students participated in exercises centered around four stations. At the Mashed Potatoes Rally, students jumped and landed their feet on a square that instructed them to perform different patterned movements. The Wild Turkey Rally engaged students in a rock-paper-scissors activity, and Football Frenzy instructed students to imitate the movements of a classmate by running sideways or imitating the throwing of a ball using eye contact. The Stuff the Turkey beanbag toss demanded underhand throwing into a bucket where students secured a feather. After the feather was colored and cut out, it was placed on the bulletin board to show the students’ participation.
