Juggling Grades 3 rd, 4 th & 5 th

Juggling This unit plan is designed to teach elementary aged students how to juggle. Juggling is an art form that is challenging in the beginning, but turns into a lifetime skill. Juggling is rhythmic, so why not turn on the music! In fact you will learn faster if you put on some music with a good solid beat. Good luck and have fun!!!!

 Major benefits include self discipline, eye- hand coordination, self esteem, school spirit and cardiovascular wellness.  This program integrates all three learning styles – auditory, visual and kinesthetic.

Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between the hand-eye coordination learned through juggling and the ability to read and write. Research has now shown that learning to juggle can improve both handwriting and reading skills.

The 4 C’s can help the 3 R’s. Juggling, in addition to enhancing self-esteem and improving reading and writing skills, helps develop the following: Juggling, in addition to enhancing self-esteem and improving reading and writing skills, helps develop the following: Concentration – Staying on task is vital to learning to Concentration – Staying on task is vital to learning to juggle. juggle. Coordination – Every practice session further refines Coordination – Every practice session further refines skills. skills. Commitment – With daily improvement practice is Commitment – With daily improvement practice is fun. fun. Cooperation – Partner juggling develops patience and Cooperation – Partner juggling develops patience and caring. caring.

Column Juggling With One Scarf Hold scarves in the middle before tossing them into the air. The Jellyfish position. Toss the scarves with the back of the hand pointing toward the ceiling. Catch the scarves using a clawing movement. It is like a cat trying to catch a rolling ball with its front paws. Keep eyes focused at the peek of the toss.

Circle Juggling With One Scarf Remember to use large circle motions and to release your scarf at the very top of your circle.

Column Juggling With 2 Scarves With 2 column juggling use 2 different colored scarves and try to keep your columns straight up and down. Remember to focus your eyes at the top of your throws.

Cascade Juggling With 3 Scarves Holding 3 Scarves: Make a Jellyfish with the first scarf. Place it in your hand and wrap your little finger and ring finger around the scarf. Do not stick the scarf in between fingers. Grab the second scarf, in Jellyfish position, with thumb, index, and middle finger of the same hand. Grab the third scarf – Jellyfish position with the other hand. Place it between your thumb and middle finger.  Always throw the scarf that is held by the thumb, index, and middle finger in the hand that has two scarves. Throw and release it on the opposite side.  Cues: Alternate scarves by throw, throw, catch-throw, catch-throw, catch-throw, etc…

Reverse Cascade Juggling With Three Scarves Begin with throwing on scarf in a figure 8, but this time it is an overhand throw which goes straight down the center. Next begin with one scarf in each hand. Throw on scarf overhand. When it begins to come down the center, throw the second with a big overhand movement. Catch the first, catch the second. Lastly, just imagine you have a bucket in front of you at eye level, start with the hand that has two, and drop them in the bucket, one by one.

Column Juggling With 4 Scarves If you use 2 scarves of one color and 2 scarves of a different color it will make it easier for you to see your columns as you juggle.

Partner Juggling With 4 & 6 Scarves Student with 4 scarves must start first! Doesn’t matter which student starts but you may find it easier if each student uses 2 of the same colored scarves.

Have Fun Juggling and Remember Don’t Forget The Music !!!