More than two dozen Massapequa High School students took the reins of physical education classes at Birch Lane Elementary School on Jan. 21. Students from the PE Leaders course made the short journey to lead activities for third and fifth graders.
The high school PE Leaders course, now in its third year, is taught by Chairperson of Physical Education and Athletics Brian Rath. The advanced-level class for seniors teaches leadership concepts through sports. Students got to put their knowledge into action by spearheading four stations for the elementary school learners.
At one station, youngsters had to move a ball across the gym along small ramps without it hitting the floor. At the ball passed by each student, they had to move to the end of the line to keep it going. Another center had students in two groups holding large parachutes, which they used to catch and pass a ball. There were also two stations involving jump ropes.
A total of 28 students from the PE Leaders class visited Birch Lane, as half worked with third graders and the other half with fifth graders. Prior to their visit, students met with their groups during class to plan the activities.
This was the third year students from the PE Leaders class have visited, and fourth year overall as it was previously led by an athletic leadership club. Birch Lane physical education teacher Chris Cafiero said that they look forward to it because the high school students are role models for the elementary students.
“Hopefully this is what they strive to be when they get to Massapequa High School,” Mr. Cafiero said. “This is peer mentoring at its finest.”