June 24, 2009: Mastering the Martial Arts

The Mini Page is a syndicated, four-page tabloid written for young children found each Wednesday in The Denver Post. This issue of The Mini Page is available through the eEdition Archive to registered eEdition subscribers. Click here to learn about subscribing to the eEdition at no cost to you (for Colorado teachers).

Activities:

1. Write the words "Martial Arts" in the middle of a piece of paper. Now paste newspaper words that describe martial arts around the words. Be sure to include words that show what you learn from martial arts.

2. Look through your newspaper's ads to find places where you could learn about martial arts. Circle every ad you find. Now list the types of martial arts shown in the ads: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and others. Which would you like to learn?

3. Which of the martial arts shown in today's Mini Page uses (a) high jumps and kicks, (b) open hands, and (c) a long style and a short style?

4. Use resource books and the Internet to learn more about how martial arts are part of the Olympics. Use these questions to guide your research:

• What types of martial arts were part of the historical Olympics?
• Which types are part of the modern Olympics today?
• What martial arts are demonstrated at the Olympics but are not yet official sports?

Write a paragraph discussing your research.

5. Write a story about yourself and some friends. Pretend you are studying one of the martial arts. Tell about a situation where you used your defense skills. Include a situation where you are able to use your strength of character to walk away from a possible fight. Share your story with your friends.

This week's standard:

• Students understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction. (Physical Education)
  
  

(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)