Earlier this year my students tried speed stacking using plastic cups from a big box store and I was blown away by how quickly my students embraced the activity; they enjoyed learning different stacking patterns and creating their own, challenging themselves to improve their stacking times, challenging each other to stacking races, and finding other ways to use the cups (i.e. to see who could build the tallest free-standing cup tower in the class). While a relatively new addition to the canon of Physical Education activities, speed stacking helps students to develop hand-eye coordination and bilateral coordination (using both sides of their bodies at the same time with control and coordination). It also encourages sportsmanship and teamwork, as students can practice their stacking skills and compete in different challenges on their own but also as part of a team. Speed stacking also helps students develop focus and concentration, and, finally, is just a lot of fun!
For this project I would like to give my students access to the official Speed Stacks Sport Stacking Program to allow them to continue to develop their skills with the best equipment possible, including the sturdy cups that don't stick together and the official timing mats. By having a full set I also plan to set up a loaning library so students can take cups and mats home to practice on their own and to demonstrate their skills to their families. While the plan is to initially use the cups primarily in PE classes, in time I hope to develop a cup stacking culture in the school where students will be encouraged to continue to grow their skills and potentially compete, locally and beyond, if they so desire.
About my class
Earlier this year my students tried speed stacking using plastic cups from a big box store and I was blown away by how quickly my students embraced the activity; they enjoyed learning different stacking patterns and creating their own, challenging themselves to improve their stacking times, challenging each other to stacking races, and finding other ways to use the cups (i.e. to see who could build the tallest free-standing cup tower in the class). While a relatively new addition to the canon of Physical Education activities, speed stacking helps students to develop hand-eye coordination and bilateral coordination (using both sides of their bodies at the same time with control and coordination). It also encourages sportsmanship and teamwork, as students can practice their stacking skills and compete in different challenges on their own but also as part of a team. Speed stacking also helps students develop focus and concentration, and, finally, is just a lot of fun!
For this project I would like to give my students access to the official Speed Stacks Sport Stacking Program to allow them to continue to develop their skills with the best equipment possible, including the sturdy cups that don't stick together and the official timing mats. By having a full set I also plan to set up a loaning library so students can take cups and mats home to practice on their own and to demonstrate their skills to their families. While the plan is to initially use the cups primarily in PE classes, in time I hope to develop a cup stacking culture in the school where students will be encouraged to continue to grow their skills and potentially compete, locally and beyond, if they so desire.