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Goal

My goal is to introduce the game of Gaga Ball to my physical education classes. The game will promote high levels of physical activity, social interactions, and critical thinking skills.  

What will be done with my students

When we start the gaga ball unit in my PE classes I plan to play several lead up games the week before so students will have a clear understanding on how the game is played. Some of these lead up games will include four court, circle drill, and striking/defending techniques.
The game of Gaga Ball is played in a circular pit, the grant I'm requesting will allow between 28-30 players to play in the pit safely together. At the start of the game all students will start with one hand on the pit of the wall. Next the coach will bounce the ball in the middle of the pit, and we will all yell Ga-Ga-Go. After the third bounce (after yelling go) the students can release hand from the wall and start the game. Players then can strike the ball only with an open hand, they can't throw, catch, or hold the ball. Players are out when hit below the knees or if they hit the ball out of the pit. As soon as a student is out they exit the pit and the next player joins in the pit. So the game can be played as a constant flow with little down time. Near the end of class we can play an elimination round to end class. Instead of rotating back in once a player is eliminated they are out until the game is left with one winner.
A fun inclusive game that can played many different ways that I hope to be able to play with my all my students next school year and for many years to come. I teach grades 3-5 and the entire school (between 500-600 students) would be able to play the game.
The pit could also be used during recess time when not being used by the physical education department. 

Benefits to my students

Benefits my students:
-Maximum participation: a game that can involves many students with little down time.
-Engaging: the game is fast paced so all students are actively engaged. Even when a student is waiting to come back in they can act as an additional wall barrier to the game.
-Physical Activity: a high intensity game that will increase a student's heart rate.
-Inclusive: a game that allows all students to participate no matter the age or ability level. All ability levels can be successful not just the "best athlete" dominating the game.
-Social Interaction: the game can involve teamwork and cooperation as players work together.
-Development of Motor Skills: helps with hand-eye coordination, agility, jumping, striking, spatial awareness and dodging.
-Resilience: playing with a large group of kinds, learning to win in the correct way and learning to lose in the right way can help build resilience.  

Budget Narrative

The 25' diameter version is designed for up to 28-30 players and includes 14 wall panels and 2 entrance panels and 2 inflatable 8.5" Gaga balls and a ball pump. 

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