Rollerblading is a very rewarding unit for high school physical education teacher David Jutton.
“It’s been a long journey for us, probably one of the most rewarding units we get to do because you get to see real growth from the students,” he said. “We don’t get to see that in every unit.”
Rollerblading has been a unit in the high school physical education class for over 10 years. It’s a very time consuming unit because equipment has to prepped and ready.
“Some students will want to avoid the unit completely. Once they give it a go, they really enjoy it, which is great to see,” said Jutton.
Jutton used a good portion of the rollerblading unit’s first day discussing safety. Students all wore pads to protect their knees, elbows and wrists as well as a helmet. Jutton also explained to students the proper way to fall, which is to go forward on your knees, elbows and wrists in that order.
Students also were given the opportunity to use a skater aid on wheels for balance.
Jutton said students would learn to brake and rollerblade backwards. After this unit is completed, students will have the chance to play roller hockey on rollerblades.
Danielle Rocco explains why rollerblading in physical education class is therapeutic.
“It’s not an intense sport where you have to think about strategy. It’s being on your own two feet and just being yourself,” said the senior, who started rollerblading with her parents at the age of six.
“This is my fourth year rollerblading in gym class and I absolutely love it. I enjoy being on wheels, rollerblading with my friends and learning new things like going backwards.”
Sophomore Gwen Dampf was a newcomer to rollerblading when she tried it in class as a freshman.
“I like that we’re all together and supporting each other,” she said. “I think it’s a good way to get out of my comfort zone and have fun. You’re not scared of failing or anything because everybody is going to fall.
“I’ve definitely improved and will be better in a few weeks."