F.E. Bellows Fourth-graders Master Circus Tricks

MAMARONECK, NY — F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders learned to balance on stilts and juggle various objects when the O-Town Circus Academy visited their school from Nov. 13-16. Throughout the week, performers provided the students with a variety of engaging activities and helped them master their circus skills, which included juggling, plate spinning, diabolo manipulation, devil sticks, Chinese yo-yo, clowning and stilt walking.

“Besides having fun, the students were learning through play and discovering on their own how to perform,” said physical education teacher Kristin Desio, who oversaw the program along with fellow teacher Bryan Iacovelli.

The activities were designed to support the students’ physical fitness, balance and coordination and strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. In addition, the learning experience helped enhance their ability to collaborate with peers.

At the end of the week, the students will demonstrate their newly acquired skills to parents, teachers and peers during a special circus performance, scheduled to be held on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the middle and high school campus.

The interactive workshops, which all students in third- through fifth-grade had the opportunity to participate in, were made possible thanks to the generous support of the PTSA.

Get Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch’s daily newsletters and news alerts right in your inbox. Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.

Photo caption: F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders practice their circus skills, thanks to the interactive circus workshops that were sponsored by the PTSA. Photo credit: Rye Neck Union Free School District.