Wayside Students Learn to Move, Turn Off TV
Coaster Photo
A Monmouth University Field Hockey Player instructs a Wayside Elementary School student in the use of a field hockey stick.
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Most parents and teachers search for ways to get youngsters to turn off the TV and become more active.
Last week in honor of National Turn Off the TV Week, teachers at Wayside Elementary School in Ocean Township decided to do something about it.
With the help of the Monmouth University Field Hockey team they sponsored an afternoon of physical activities for students in grades one through four.
Field hockey players manned five stations where teams, each wearing a different colored bandana, learned how to handle a field hockey stick, throw a frisbee, do relays by hitting a ball around markers with a stick, and proper stretching before and after activity.
When students completed all stations, they were treated to a healthy snack of sliced oranges and gatorade.
Teacher Kelly Balady, who played Field Hockey at Monmouth University, organized the event with fellow teachers, Jaime Morin and Brianne Branigan. The new head coach of the university’s field hockey team, Carli Figlio, brought along 12 of her players to guide the activities.
According to Balady, “Last year we did a recycling theme for earth day, but this year we decided to do the Olympics. There is movement and health in each one of the activities.”
Balady explained that all student athletes at Monmouth University are required to do community service before graduation.
Coaster Photo
Wayside Elementary School students wait their turn in a relay during the school’s Olympics “Let the Games Begin” celebration held to commemorate National Turn Off the TV week. Students learned how to manuever a field hockey stick while running and hitting a white ball around a marker in the grass.
“They are positive role models,” she said.
During the outside relay event, one student named Michael said his favorite part of the event was the food station.
“I can’t wait to get the food,” he said.
Tauhid, another relay runner, said his favorite part is “running and using the sticks.”
Teacher Kelly Eichhorn said she enjoyed the event.
“I like it because it helps the kids feel involved, it’s something special for them to look forward to.”
Eichhorn said she supports this year’s theme. “It gets them moving, they watch too much TV.”
Phillip, who was working on inside activities, said he liked the stretching activities the best.
“They are good stretches,” he added.
One of the most exciting activities for students was having to use field hockey sticks to hit balls into two large garbage cans.
One student Shacara, who handled the stick like a pro, jumped enthusiastically when she finally made a “goal.”
“I got it, I got it,” she yelled jumping up and down.
Juliana, another student attempting to made some goals, said she liked the event because it was a break from her usual school work.
“You get to do stuff that we don’t get to do,” she said as she hurried by with a stick.
For all their hard work students were each presented a “gold” medal with a long red, white and blue ribbon to hang around their necks and a specially made certificate.
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