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| Stacker and Sentinels defending the pins |
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| Legendary Stacker: John Wallace |
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| Terminators on the look out for an unsuspecting Stacker |
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| Legendary Stacker: David Jessup |
For the past few weeks grades 1-4 have been playing a game called 'Legend of the Stacker.' Legend of the Stacker is an exciting game involving the principles of bowling, chess, dodgeball, and soccer. Each team has one Stacker, several Sentinels, and several Terminators. A Stacker's job is to stack pins that have been knocked over, while at the same time evading incoming dodgeballs. Stackers can only move side to side and must stay behind a dotted line at the back of the court. If a Stacker is hit with a dodgeball, they are out of the game. The Stacker is the only position vulnerable to dodgeballs. Sentinels guard the pins and the Stacker, but they can't use their arms or hands (soccer rules). Like the Stacker, they can only move side to side (but in front of the dots). Terminators can move anywhere they want and can use their arms and hands. Terminators throw dodgeballs to get the Stacker out, and roll tennis balls to try and knock over the opposing team's pins. It is very rare, but sometimes a Stacker will stay in the entire game, evading countless dodgeballs. If a Stacker survives to the end of a game, AND his/her team wins (knocks over all of the opposing pins), that Stacker becomes a "Legendary Stacker." Though many have tried, very few have obtained this noble title. If a Stacker becomes a legend, they get their picture taken and are placed on the 'Legendary Stacker' poster on the gym wall.
Many classes at Palouse Prairie School are now playing soccer. As we get to the park each team will warm up and demonstrate proper passing technique, that is to say, passing with the side of one's foot rather than the tip of one's foot. Following the warm up period we start two games. The benefit of having two smaller games as opposed to one large game is that team sizes are much smaller, meaning that each player interacts with the ball more frequently. While we have only been playing soccer a few days we are already seeing great growth from each crew member!
For the past few weeks 1st and 2nd Grade have been diving deep into the world of 'Tag.' We have learned how to play Ninjas and Guards, Giants Wizards and Vulcans, and Blob Tag. Each of these games allow students to work cooperatively, use strategy, and have fun! Today we played the game 'Ninjas and Guards.' This game has one group of students act out the role of Ninja and another group of students act out the role of Guard. Ninjas have to creep through a sea of Guards with the goal of either grabbing treasure or freeing a captured ninja. Guards have their eyes covered and must listen for the faintest sound of a ninja footstep. After a brief period of time an alarm goes off and the guards open their eyes and try to chase down and tag any ninjas!
Today was an exciting day! This was the very first day that we went to the park to play Cooperative Handball. As you can see we are learning the benefits of courage, responsibility, empathy, and welcoming. As if that wasn't enough, we are really coming along with our Cooperative Handball skills. 
