a question on the playground
“Can he win?” asked Carlos. He was asking Henry. They were on the playground surrounded by five or six of his friends.
“Sure, he can win,” answered Henry. “He’s fast and smart.”
the race
A race to establish the fastest AND the best obstacle jumper was at stake. Carlos was known for his speed. Everyone in the school knew he could run…fast. But Jake was quick. In pee wee football Jake was known to move sideways and jump and to do anything to avoid being tackled. Every coach wanted him on their roster.
The course was set on the playground by future X Factor event planners Dawn and Derek. They set the first section for straight running. Next, they planned jumping a series of benches. The fourth phase required the boys to climb to the top of the play set and shimmy down two different ways to the bottom. The last challenge required each participant to choose a path to the finish.
playground event
The teachers admired the timing. Since each teacher spent different times at recess, but the kids coordinated the race timing through requests.
Six kids, six different teachers. Each teacher heard the same question. Can we watch the competition? We’ll give up recess tomorrow, so we can watch Carlos and Jake. And every teacher agreed.
Who won? Well, that’s the stuff of fifth grade memories!