Schools
Birch Grove Throws a Fun-Filled Field Day
Birch Grove Primary students had a blast enjoying sunshine, music and games during the school's field day yesterday.
The students of Birch Grove Primary School kicked off summer in a big way yesterday during the school’s fun-filled field day.
The kids and the staff have been preparing for the day’s celebration for some time, physical education teacher Chris Keithan said. The students have been practicing the relay races in their physical education class so they can just have fun, instead of focusing on learning the rules.
“You have to have fun exercising,” Keithan said.
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The adults have certainly put their own fair share of work in, as well. More than 60 parents volunteered their time, supervising activities during either the morning or the afternoon shift. The parents guided the enthusiastic players through eight different stations.
Since the students at Birch Grove are so young, Keithan says he focuses more on cooperative and fun games as opposed to competition. The students rotate through four different relay races, including the ever-popular sponge race, a chalk and bubble zone, playscape bingo and the gigantic parachute.
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Despite the hard work in pulling off such an active event, Keithan is glad to do the job.
“It’s totally worth it,” he said. “I think it’s great for the kids.”
A unique addition to this year’s field day was a series of performances by nationally renowned children’s performer Steve Roslonek, known by his fans as “SteveSongs.” Roslonek, who’s featured on Mornings on PBS KIDS, led the students in interactive songs and cracked up his audience with silly lyrics.
“Interactivity is a key part for this age group,” Roslonek said, going on to explain how his act speaks to his audience. “Some kids latch onto the melody and music. For some kids it’s the lyrics, if there’s something funny. And some have seen me on TV so they’re excited to see me in person.”
The school’s staff also saw the concerts as a good way to get the kids cool and calm for a part of the hectic day.
“It’s a nice alternative kind of activity,” speech language pathologist Kathleen Insler said.
All in all, the day’s success was measured in smiles, laughter and excitement.
“Field day is a day for the kids,” Keithan said. And by all accounts, it certainly was.
