SPORT STACKING!
(formerly called Cup Stacking)
You will want to read this, while waiting for the pictures to load.
John Dunlop is the K-12 Physical Education Department Team Leader and teacher
for the Portage (MI) Public Schools, and coordinator
for the GREAT LAKES SPORT STACKING CHAMPIONSHIPS.
"Sport stacking is the most captivating activity I have ever seen, in my
ten years of teaching elementary physical education. The first time my students
tried it they were hooked! Not only is this activity incredibly fun, but its
impact on the brain/body connection is immense! Sport stacking allows students
to cross the mid-line, which improves laterality, promotes hand-eye
coordination, fine motor control and develops sequencing skills. As students
stack, you can see the wheels turning in their heads, while they have an
intense, concentrated look on their faces. Students that typically have a hard
time paying attention are completely focused during the various stacking
activities. Current brain research has shown that activities where children
cross the midline, manipulate objects with their hands and are physically
active can enhance the potential to learn.
"The level of excitement among students, staff and parents is uncanny. Sport
stacking has even taken precedent over TV watching at home for many of my
students. One parent even told me that the TV didn’t get turned on all weekend!
(When was the last time an activity --particularly one introduced in school--overshadowed
television and computer games?)
"Sport stacking is an activity that levels the playing field between the
athletically inclined students and the non-athletes. In fact, in many cases,
the females dominate. (Not surprising, knowing that a female--Emily
Fox--holds the world record time.) Common comments from students are,
“Hey, I can do this!” The fact is, EVERYONE can sport
stack--from the students in our Young Fives program through fifth graders.
Students work diligently to progress, to become faster and more proficient.
Instant improvement is very common in this activity. Sport stacking also allows
kids to be competitive in a cooperative and constructive manner. Head-to-head
races with friends and team relays are a blast, while winning and losing is no
longer important.
"I highly recommend the implementation of cup stacking into any physical
education program, at any grade level. The $300-plus investment for a class-set
is one of the best investments I could make."
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** NEW NEWS!!! **
Experience the Magic has just added the newest, coolest, student activity,
now sweeping across the nation -- SPORT STACKING! (formerly
called Cup Stacking). Elementary, middle and high school students agree, sport
stacking is colorful, fun and furiously fast! And that is just the beginning.
Sport stacking begins on the floor, creating an "even playing field"
for all participants. Students then up and down stack a series of pyramids
(3/6/10's) at amazing speeds! Best of all, the activities are self-motivating.
Students WANT to do better! And the excitement grows as they develop
partnerships and utilize teamwork. It all adds up to, FUN!
Now add to this the increased coordination of hands and eyes, use of both sides
of the body and brain, and improved concentration, and you'll readily
understand why physical education teachers are adding this program to their
school. (See the letters below.)
(In fact, sport stacking is now used in basketball camps, and among professional
athletes, because of its tremendous assets. It is no wonder that Nickelodeon
and the national news have covered its benefits for kids!)
But the learning doesn't stop there! Similar to our other programs, Experience
the Magic integrates important life-skills with the activities. For
example, managing "fumbles" in our class subjects, and life. Or, developing a solid "foundation" in our studies, and
friendships. And, of course, the power of cooperation
and "team work." Yes, sport stacking lends itself to many
academic and life-skill areas.
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From Lansing (MI) to South Bend (IN),
listen to what principals, physical education teachers, and other school staff
are saying about our sport stacking program:
"Just awesome!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"It's great to see other kids win for a change."
"This will really help them [students] in other
classes."
"I am always looking for activities that will develop both hands and
coordination. This is perfect!"
"We're definitely going to add this program to our school!
"I haven't seen the kids this excited, or so motivated, in a long
time!"
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School Letters
(Scroll to bottom to see library letters.)
Mark Costello, Principal --
"'Mr. Jim' spent two days with our students, introducing sport stacking. The results were gratifying!...It is
unique and captivating. It has many benefits, including the enhancement of fine
motor skills, and easy and 'even' playing field, provides an opportunity for
individual improvement, as well as 'team' building activities...My personal
observations reflected a high level of personal determination, excitement and overall
enjoyment. Finally, I appreciated the 'extra' insights--perseverance, dealing
with 'fumbles,' the benefits of teamwork, and the need to build solid
'foundations' in all academic areas. If you are considering a program that is
professionally presented, offers a 'cutting edge,' hands-on physical activity,
and includes life-skill applications, you will want to consider this program.
We will have Jim back again!"
Mark Nabozny,
Phys.Ed. -- Delton Kellogg Elementary
"Students and staff are still talking about the outstanding, highly
motivating and exciting sport stacking presentation! It was impressive how
developmentally appropriate the program was for such an age-range of students
[Young 5's to 5th Grade]. "
Robert Kiser, Phys Ed Inst. --
"Your recent presentation was 'awe-inspiring.' You stressed to our young
people the life lessons of following the rules and the positive aspects of
practice, effort, patience, and a 'never give up attitude.' We appreciate the wonderful
messages that you bring to our young people, and we also want to thank the
sponsors."
Matthew Cairy,
Principal -- Williamston Middle School (Lansing, MI)
"Thank you for your presentation on perseverance and the importance of a
solid foundation in life, and introducing us to sport stacking. You did an
excellent job in engaging our kids and providing a meaningful message. We
greatly appreciate Felpausch for taking an interest in our school, and
providing a quality educational experience for our students."
James Hendress,
Principal --
"The opportunity for our students to learn life lessons through the
challenge of sport stacking was outstanding. You connected the activities to
some of the problems that students may encounter in life and the challenges
that they may face as they grow up."
Sue G., Social Worker &
Barb S., Phys Ed. --
"Thank you for the wonderful assembly! Students and staff enjoyed the
activities. Teachers are interested in using sport stacking in their
classrooms, physical education and social work programs. Students had a lot of
fun and enjoyed working as part of a team.
Your assembly was extremely well organized, and you kept the activities at age
appropriate levels. You were able to hold the attention of students from pre-school
through 6th grade. Sport stacking truly is an activity that is beneficial and
can be enjoyed by all age groups and all ability groups.
Please feel free to use us as a reference to speak to other interested
groups."
Lesley Hay, Healthy Lifestyles
Chair. -- J.Young Middle (Mish/S.Bend, IN)
"Thank you for spending the whole day at our school!
The classes grumbled about not having enough time to practice! This activity
enabled all of our students, including the physically challenged, to be
involved. Whoever would have dreamed that this would be a great activity for 12
and 13 year olds!"
Jo Stebbens,
Principal -- Starr Elementary (
"The sport stacking assembly was wonderful! To see and participate in the
program is definitely exciting! Sport stacking was definitely the best assembly
of the year! I would recommend this assembly highly!
Brian Deal,
Phys Ed --
"Mr. Jim demonstrated the sport stacking exercise for our high school.
The positive response was outstanding! Our students were amazed and intrigued
with the tasks.
As an educator it is very difficult to motivate every [H.S.]
student during the given class time. With the sport stacking program, all
students were working hard to do the best they possibly could.
The Program showed students that they could train their brains and bodies to
use both hands to complete the task, with great success. Not only was there a
valuable motor skills lesson, but a valuable life lesson as well. Mr. Merrills
showed the students how a positive foundation could be built for the future.
Our physical education department would recommend Mr. Merrills to any high
school that is interested in providing a new, cutting edge program to their
students."
Charles Phillips, Principal --
Beagle Middle (Grand Ledge, MI)
"I wanted to thank you for a very rewarding two days that you spent with
us. I was suspicious [at the beginning]...but I can assure you that our staff
and student body were very surprised and excited about this unique sport. We
had a lot of fun, while learning about dexterity and also integrity. I look
forward to next year's program!"
Nancy Repp,
PE -- Portage N&W Middle Schools (MI)
" 'Mr. Jim' worked with over 700 students! Students were kept on task,
while challenged. The presentations were genuinely enjoyed by all. Jim's
positive attitude and enthusiasm were a great tribute to his overall
presentation. I recommend any school to take advantage of this wonderful
program presentation."
Steve Bundy, PE --
"We took part in a quality presentation by 'Mr. Jim'. This activity both
motivated and inspired my students. The skill of sport stacking builds self
esteem and confidence. I am sold on this as a part of a good physical and
social curriculum in the middle school environment. I recommend this
program!"
M.J., 3rd Gr. Teacher --
"Wow! What a wonderful program you provided for the students. They really
enjoyed the sport stacking (and juggling, earlier this year). Adjusting your
presentation to each grade level is a skill not all presenters have. You were
calm and authoritative - another good combination. I hope you are able to come
next year. Everyone enjoyed it!"
Gwyn Evans, PE -- Vicksburg Middle Sch
"Your expertise allowed students to gain skills in stacking as well as
life lessons for dealing with fumbles and perseverance, reminding them to start
with a firm foundation and never give up when facing challenges. Time with you
is definitely time well spent!"
Mary Buckhannon, Asst Prin -- Delton Kellogg Middle
"Thank you for the exciting and entertaining program! It equally
intrigued, amused and impressed 350 students and staff. It sent a positive
message to our kids and put the 'spot light' on some children who may not
usually be in it! We are looking forward to your unique entertainment in the
future!"
Bob
"You dealt with an extremely difficult age group, yet you conveyed your
message effectively. Everyone found success quickly! It appeared that the girls
picked up the activity quicker than the boys! Thank you for the learning
experience."
Jan, Phys Ed -- NE Elem (
"This was perfect for all the kids [K-5]! I am always
wanting to emphasize more right and left hand coordination skills."
Randy Button, Counselor --
"The [summer community schools] kids had a great time, and so did I. Let's
talk about doing this for P.E. or a larger audience this fall."
(For more PICTURES and LIBRARY RECOMMENDATIONS, continue to scroll down)
If this sounds like a
program that you would like your students to experience, contact us at
(269)580-1696/646-3227 or
email
And now, picture your students--and
teachers!--enjoying a full day of Sport Stacking fun!
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We have also conducted sport stacking activities in our local libraries. Below
are some of the letters we received:
Jane Moe,
"We are all still talking about your exciting sport stacking program and
how valuable the activity was for building eye hand coordination and small
motor skills. We all know these are essential for developing good reading skills.
But the bottom line was that the kids, parents and staff had a really good time
together. And we continue long after your visit because of the generous gift of
two sets of Speed Stacks and the video. Thanks for a wonderful
experience!"
Joanne Hesselink,
"It was amazing to see 45 kids (all ages), and their parents, listen,
follow step-by-step instruction, build new skills, have fun, and be successful.
We have kids in daily to practice stacking the cups, and teach their friends
and parents. It has been great fun!"
Becky Yoder,
"Thanks for your terrific sport stacking presentation! The kids loved it,
and our gift Speed Stacks cup sets are getting plenty of use. You did a
wonderful job as always. Thanks again!"
Bobbi Truesdell, Schoolcraft Library
"What a wonderful program! I was totally amazed at how much
fun sport stacking was. I was surprised and delighted to see how much the
children enjoyed stacking and down stacking their cups, and the creativity many
of them used. I was very impressed with the patience and thoroughness you used
to teach even the young ones. Thank you for bringing this program to our
library, for the 2 stacks of cups. I know the kids are going to use those cups
over and over, and the video is so entertaining!"
We only use, genuine speedstacks.com
products, "The Leader in Sport Stacking". (Use the link above to
learn more about Speed Stacks, and to see an incredible video, featuring the world
Sport Stacking champion, Emily Fox!
Mr. Jim has been
authorized by Speed Stacks, Inc. to promote sport stacking with Speed Stacks
brand products.
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Last updated: Jan, 2007
Copyright 2002 by mr-jim.com