Oversized Fun Ball

School:: Eden Park Elementary
Subject:: Health/P.E.
Teacher:: Lori Davidson
Students Impacted:: 700
Grade:: K-5
Date:: July 11, 2021

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

267.93 - $267.93

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 620

The addtion of the oversized fun ball into our pe curriculum really enhanced things this year. Our students come from very difficult backgrounds and often times, they are almost in a depressed state. They are not happy with their lives and it shows. My teaching partner and I love to inspire them to be happy and look on the bright side of life.

The oversized fun ball helped our students be happy and active. More importantly they did not realize they were improving and strengthening their social emotional skills and learned life lessons which will prepare them with both values and skills they need for the future.

When we utilzed the ball before school during workout warriors, it helped set the tone for the students' day. Being involved in a fun, non-threatening activity was the way to start the day off right. They were able to bring that tone into their classrooms and teachers could see the difference in their attitudes and behaviors. Teachers thanks us often for giving their students an opportunity to be physically active in the mornings as it has helped students improve their focusing skills.

During our physical edcuation classes we would incorporate the balls to help learn many different skills from eye hand coordination to striking skills. We were afforded more time in a smaller group format than during workout warriors in which we may have over 100 students. It was during this time that we were able to incorporte more emotional regulaton skills and empathy and communication skills.

Overall we will definitely continue to utilize the oversized ball into our curriculum.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

To incorporate 36 inch oversized fun balls into our school activities before school, during school in physical education or during a school-wide event to build positive school culture.

What will be done with my students

Omnikin Ultraballs are built for school use and contain a tough nylon fabric shell that is waterproof and abrasion resistant for long lasting use indoors or out. This is important as quality equipment that can withstand conditions in our outdoor P.E. classrooms in Collier County is hard to come by. This is a 36 inch 1 pound ball of fun. Think giant volleyball that can be safely thrown, bounced or kicked and used to create oversized variations of traditional games.
How utilized:
1. Before school fun- Two other teachers and myself supervise workout warriors every morning before school. Over 100 students join us for active fun. This oversized ball is fun to play group volleyball.
2. During Physical Education- Monster ball is a game to improve primary students' throwing skills and a load of fun. Group volleyball. During free skills explorations. Group soccer. Reward choice game time.
3. Staff verse 5th graders is a school wide event we will hold 4 times a year. This ball will be used for volleyball on one of those days.
4. PBS student option: positive behavior school wide reward days can utilize this fun ball as a student choice.

Benefits to my students

This fun ball will help develop coordination and cooperation skills within a team environment and it will also promote group participation, critical thinking and strategy skills. Throwing, kicking and bouncing skills are also naturally improved.

The best benefit is it promotes smiles and fun. We had a similar ball in the past but it did not last due to poor quality. However, whenever it was in use, smiles were abundant and students want to participate.
This ball is expensive but it is durable and also has a replaceable bladder in it that is cheaper to replace in case it pops.

Budget Narrative

The ball is $229.00 and shipping is 38.93

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	36 inch Omnikin Ultra ball	$267.93
	Total:	$267.93

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