Garrett Lydic
North Laurel Elementary
Deleware Teacher of the Year

This year, the major spotlight in the Laurel School District again focuses on North Laurel Elementary, this time on a pioneering physical education teacher. Physical educator Garrett Lydic was recently named Delaware Teacher of the Year, and sport stacking was one reason why. Lydic teaches physical education at North Laurel Elementary and is known for reaching out to students of all abilities.

A portion of Mr. Lydic's teaching philosophy is to provide interesting activities for both athletes and non-athletes, mixing in academics in a comfortable learning environment. He holds jump-rope and sport stacking clubs during his planning periods. Mr. Lydic created the Kangaroo Club, featuring jumping and karate-type activities, rope-jumping and a cup stacking club that is very, very popular.

."I try to come up with programs and lessons that will help people that are not normally successful physically become successful at something and experience what it's like to be successful in a physical setting," Mr. Lydic said.

"It is important to understand what motivates and drives each of these children, to ascertain what they already know, and how best to build upon that knowledge." The ultimate goal is that they continue being physically active outside my class," Mr. Lydic said. "If I can spark some type of intrinsic excitement or something to get them exercising or moving outside my class, that's my main goal.

"Cup exercise, which involves stacking plastic cups as fast as possible, coincides with a national thrust that includes world-caliber competition in Colorado."It's one of the fastest growing sports," Mr. Lydic said. "It helps the kids with eye-hand coordination in their brain, and that helps them to be better readers," Dr. Greaves said.

"Students who aren't gifted athletes still find something they can be good at in my class," he said. "I believe in the potential of each and every one."

www.speedstacks.com

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