By Lesley Graham
In the game app Fruit Ninja, players use their finger to swipe a variety of fruits that pop up across the screen of a phone, iPad or tablet.
Until Tuesday night, that is.
Fruit Ninja and other popular video game apps came to life at Ocean City Primary School thanks to first grade teacher, Carrie Merritt.
Merritt, the Cape May County Teacher of the Year, was awarded a grant from the National PTA to get kids up and moving.
Ocean City was one of 15 schools awarded the “Get Off Your Apps” physical activity grant.
Merritt incorporates physical activity and movement into her every day classroom activities, and Tuesday’s event was no different.
Cathleen Smith, the Ocean City Primary School principal, said Merritt is a very energetic teacher.
“She brings innovate ideas with a healthy twist to bring families together learning healthy ways to get up and get moving,” Smith said.
“I teach in a very thematic way, so my brain went to incorporating the apps into the activities. Everything tonight is stations in which they will bring video games and apps to life,” Merritt said.
There were 10 different stations featuring games such as Mario Kart, Angry Birds, Minecraft and others.
Kindergarteners and first graders enjoyed the stations from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., while second and third graders played from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The stations were manned by Ocean City High School students who said they enjoyed their time volunteering for the night.
Megan Cowan, a ninth grader at the high school, was stationed at Pac Man.
“The world revolves so much around social media and screens that it’s important to remember to have face to face interactions. That is what tonight is all about,” Cowan said.
Not only did the kids enjoy their favorite video games coming to life, but parents were encouraged to get involved as well.
Shannon McAllister and her son, Brayden, who is in the first grade, had fun at the stations.
“I liked Minecraft the best because I like to build things,” said Brayden, as he stood over his giant tower. “And knock them down.”
His mother said, “I knew he would have a blast. It was a great opportunity for him to see the games he plays come to life.”
Erica Schaffer, a mother of three, brought her children for the family-night out to reinforce that life is so much more than just screens.
As a former physical education teacher herself, she said she believes it’s critical to be more active and do things every day that not only involve physical activity, but brain power as well.
“It was great to see them create their own video game,” Schaffer said.
Her son, Leo Schaffer, a kindergartner, enjoyed Fruit Ninja the best, because he likes fruit. But also, more importantly, likes being a ninja.
“It was an awesome opportunity and activity for the entire family,” said Tameka McKeiver.
Her children, Zy’Rainalyn Rogers, 7, Raymond Rogers II, 5, and Kambriella Rogers, 4, enjoyed the stations set up around the gym.
“I try to set good examples for them,” McKeiver said. “We eat healthy and stay active, so it’s always nice when the school reiterates those same qualities we teach at home.”
Merritt said she hoped the event would encourage everyone to come together as a community and see the benefit of physical movement.
“Movement is a big part of my teaching practice. I really believe integrating movement into the classroom boosts cognitive power,” she said in between running to different stations. “It really helps motivate students to learn. But tonight, it’s all about how movement can be fun, fitness can be fun.”
Schools Superintendent Kathleen Taylor called Merritt a creative, innovative and energetic teacher.
“I am so proud of Carrie,” said Taylor, who attended the program. “She was one of my first hires and it has been a pleasure to watch her blossom into an amazing teacher, with such an amazing event.”
