How Skateboarding Can Transform the School Experience, S12 Episode 2

You may not know a “kickflip” from an “ollie,” but today’s episode of 3Ps in a Pod may make you want to grab a board and start exploring how the skills you can learn skateboarding can apply to other parts of life.

Extracurricular activities can be a crucial part of both students’ and teachers’ school experience, and today we’re going to be looking at how one particular program, Skate After School, has shaped students’ and staff’s experience in Balsz Elementary School District and beyond.

Hosts Kathleen and Josh welcome Sean Hannafin, principal of Crockett Elementary, and Ryan Lay, professional skateboarder and co-founder of Skate After School, to the podcast to talk about the nonprofit program and how it can enhance students’ educational experience.

Lay shares how Skate After School started in Balsz Elementary School District and then grew into the Creighton and Roosevelt school districts. He explains how the program uses the acronym G.R.I.P., inspired by the textured tape on the top of a skateboard, to teach students generosity, respect, innovation, and persistence while learning new tricks and or any other challenges in life.

The four also share the impact they’ve seen from Skate After School with students and staff at participating schools.

Learn more about Skate After School and see photos and videos of the program at skateafterschool.org.

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center at azk12.org.