The ballet instructor knew how to grab the attention of middle schoolers. “Do you know the Spiderman actor Tom Holland?” she asked. Heads nodded. “Did you know he was discovered in a ballet class?”
With that, ballet became the bomb. The 7th and 8th graders immediately formed two lines and balanced in the first position, heels touching and toes turned outward.
Ballet was just one of nine wellness stations set up at the Flood Brook School (FBS) on the last Friday of the academic year. The idea was to introduce all K-8 students to daily healthy habits that lead to better physical and mental outcomes.
“We believe Wellness Day serves as an important reminder that students can take control over the care of their body and mind,” said FBS counselor Brooke Paxton. “The idea is to demonstrate that there are basic steps we can all easily take to improve our physical and mental condition.”
Students rotated by grades through the stations: yoga, nutrition, dental hygiene, healthy heart, CPR training, mental health, massage, and dance for exercise — both contemporary and ballet. Along the journey, students were encouraged to sample a strategically located food cart featuring fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and apple slices.
“The body language of the kids revealed the impact of Wellness Day,” said FBS Principal Johanna Liskowsky-Doak. “They were all participating eagerly and paying attention to the experts.”
A group of second graders demonstrated the type of learning that took place. During their time at the mental health station, they all joined in building happy and sad trees. The happy version was much larger and included strong roots and branches with labels such as: puppies, crafts, legos, friends, family, baseball, reading, Minecraft, parks, and hugs. One student shocked a teacher and fellow classmates when he wanted math added to the happy tree.
Whatever works. Just focus on the good stuff.
(Above photo: Students at Flood Brook master ballet positions to help improve balance and posture on Wellness Day.)
Flood Brooks students learn techniques for meditation in their Yoga wellness class.
Lessons in proper gardening techniques were part of nutrition lessons at the Flood Brook Wellness Day.
Flood Brook students practice CPR on Wellness Day.
Flood Brook Wellness Day lessons in dental hygiene include - brush, floss, regular check-ups, and minimize sugar.