They hop from one brightly colored object to the next, as though working their way across a roiling creek. Their feet fly in fancy footwork through the yellow hoops on the floor. They crawl under bowed noodles and through pits of foamy obstacles. They prance, they crawl, they hustle, and they roll.

Red-cheeked and panting, they smile.

Shipley’s Lower School students have no idea that they are participating in a program designed to enhance their agility, balance, and coordination. The ABC Program, a component of Shipley’s Lower School Physical Education, is comprised of physically- and mentally-challenging obstacle courses and games set to music.

Fred Speers, Lower School Coordinator of Physical Education says, “They’re learning efficiency of movement. They’re learning to accelerate, decelerate, and to move laterally. They’re gaining control of their bodies now while their minds are laying down patterns. These skills will translate into better sports-play and stronger bodies.”

To Shipley’s Lower School students, however, ABC is just plain fun.

Out of breath and smiling, Hadley Hughes ’21 says, “I think this is one of the best things we’ve played so far this year. I just love going in the pits.” Andrew Ragaglia ’21 agrees. “We get to pretend we’re marine officers and train like them. It’s a challenge.” Lydia Frorer ’21 chimes in, “You get to move your feet and you’re having fun while you exercise. It’s as fun as a sport.”

Lessons in sportsmanship are part of the curriculum, and they are taught on the fly. “Sometimes kids get excited about a game,” admits Fred. “We take those opportunities as teaching moments. We address the situation by pulling the child aside so as not to embarrass them. Later we discuss general issues with the class such as: What do we do when kids disagree? What is the difference between celebrating and bragging?” These become the fundamental building blocks in understanding how to become a good loser and a good winner.

The ABC rotation comprises one third of the P/E curriculum for any given term. The students rotate through traditional athletics for the other two rotations. The emphasis is on movement. “We like to keep them active,” comments Fred. “There’s not a lot of time to sit around talking. Everybody has as many touches on the ball as possible.”

Kids rotate through the ABC program year-round. Already teachers are seeing a difference in agility and footwork. “We’re seeing a difference in confidence,” comments Fred. “The students are more sure of themselves.” And ABC is not even work. “I really like it,” say Sebastian Bell ’21, “You get a great work out. And it’s fun playing with your friends.”