NOLANVILLE — Nolanville Elementary School students took aim this winter at a new unit on archery.
With the support of a $5,000 Killeen Independent School District Education Foundation grant, the school’s two physical education teachers introduced archery to third- through fifth-graders.
Before receiving clearance to shoot, students learned an 11-step safety procedure.
Physical education teachers Mike Duncan and RaeAnn Melvin directed students through multiple stations, allowing students to take turns on the archery range and work on related math skills.
The activity intimidated some students at first.
But the end of the unit, Duncan and Melvin said students acquired the skill and grew in confidence.
They also received additional lessons in measurement and geometry, which are statistically difficult to master, according to recent test results.
“It’s been a motivational tool,” said Melvin.
“We talk about being focused and self-control. They know what to do. They are building confidence through archery.”
Students who don’t excel at traditional sports have experienced success in the school’s archery program.
“They can achieve without a high degree of physical fitness,” said Duncan. “They can be successful even if they don’t do sports as well.”
In archery, safety is critical. Both PE teachers completed Texas Parks & Wildlife and National Archery in Schools Program training.
As third-grader Maddie Hennis put it, “You have to be serious about it — you can’t be silly.”
Students marked off the 50-foot course, with required safety lines.
During the unit, groups of students rotated through a station that gave them chances to measure the targets and figure area and perimeter.
“We’re reinforcing the math concepts they learn in the classroom with a hands-on approach,” Duncan said.
“I think it’s really fun,” said third-grader Ben Meyer. “Once you know the steps, it gets easier.”