Briarcliff Elementary School physical education instructor Dierdre Gilroy has been keeping the good times rolling this winter with the popular and exciting roller skating unit. Parent volunteers help equip the youngsters with essential safety gear before they skate around the gymnasium, some of them for the very first time.  

“Roller skating is not only a great aerobic workout that builds confidence and coordination, but it is also a lifetime sport that anyone can do,” said Gilroy. “The students have a fantastic time without even realizing they are exercising all the muscles in their bodies, especially their hearts.”

One parent volunteer commented on the progress of the students’ skating, balance and coordination skills. “It’s great to be able to see just how much they have improved in such a brief amount of time," she said.

The unit also helps students improve their social interaction skills. “They encourage each other, help each other up when they fall and most importantly, have a great time throughout it all,” said Gilroy.