Early this fall, Physical Education Teacher Jarret Peterson was interested in adding some exciting new equipment to the recess area when he remembered his favorite game growing up as a child... Gaga Ball!
Gaga Ball is a form of dodgeball that originated in Israel in the 1970s. The game has similar rules to dodgeball. If the ball touches you, you are out. The fun really starts once the ball is in motion since the game must be played in a gaga ball pit, making the game a test of quick reflexes. Students may hit the ball once with their hand, and then it must tap the wall or another student or the player that player out. Why is it called Gaga Ball? To start the game, students yell "Ga-Ga-Ga" before setting the ball into motion!
Don't worry; this game is much safer than the dodgeball that some of us remember from school! Students are reminded that the rule is you can only gently pass the ball, and the ball is only allowed to tap a player below the knee.
Jarret had some friends at Tri4Schools that helped make his Gaga Ball pit at Park Elementary come true!
Tri4Schools is an organization that provides events and programming that empowers kids to be happy, healthy, and confident across Dane County. They also offer grant programs that are funded by their sporting events. This means that 100% of their proceeds from these events go back to the schools!
Jarret used his application for a Tri4Schools grant to acquire the brand new Gaga Ball pit.
Tri4Schools representative Rachael Hagem explained that Gaga Ball pits are all the rage nowadays. Jarret was one of 5 grant application requests this year! They even came out to Park Elementary to see the new equipment in action!
The best part of the Gaga Ball pit is that it is meant for everyone. Tri4Schools was sure to include a handicap-accessible gate to the pit; that way, every student has a chance to join in on the fun!
"We want to say thank you so much to the Tri4Schools organization for providing us funding for our new Gaga Ball pit. Our kids are in Heaven about it! They are really excited to get moving every day and have fun with one another." Said Park Principal Monica Schommer.
The staff even had the opportunity to play with the new equipment during their last professional development day!
We look forward to seeing all of the Park Elementary students having fun with this new installation for years to come!