Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Stellar Spine


In class, we have been learning about bones and muscles. The human body can do some amazing things.

The spine is very important. It is made of bones called vertebrae (VER-teh-bray). The bones are like a chain. Together they can flex and move in many directions.

To demonstrate just how flexible and movable the human body is, we present Stella. "I have been taking gymnastics for four years," said Stella. "At first, I learned a cartwheel. After many lessons, I can now do a flip, a backbend, roundoff back handspring, and the splits. I hope you enjoy my floor routine."











What are some ways you use your spine?

What are your hobbies?





16 comments:

  1. Dear Stella,
    How long did it take to learn that floor routine? All I know how to do is a cartwheel.

    From,
    Will

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Will,

      The floor routine is a combinations of 12 skills put into one big routine. Before you make it into one routine you have to learn the each individual skills. It took many months to accomplish the routine.

      Your friend,
      Stella

      Delete
    2. Dear Stella,
      I don't even know how to do a cartwheel. If I wanted to catch up to you, I would have to do five-million practices a day. My favorite part was when you did the splits at the end. In kindergarten I had a friend who could do the splits horizontally and vertically. Can you do the splits both ways? Again, good job on your routine.
      Sincerely,
      Maddie

      Delete
    3. Dear Maddie,

      Thank you for the compliments. I can do the splits both ways.You are right, it did take a lot of practice to go all the way down. When I first stared I could not do a cartwheel either.

      Delete
  2. Dear Stella,

    I am so impressed with your talent!

    When I was little, I took a tumbling class. I learned how to do a front roll, a cartwheel, and a roundoff. I never took any other classes, but I always wished I could do a flip or a back handspring. How does it feel when you are flipping upside down?

    Do you do any other gymnastic events like parallel bars or beam?

    Your proud teacher,
    Mrs. Y♥llis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Mrs.Yollis,

      Flipping upside down feels nerve wrecking and fun! It feels very similar to a roller coaster ride. Before I do my back handspring, I tell myself "I can do it!"

      I also do the uneven bars, beam and vault.

      What I have learned from gymnastics is that I must have grit! It's all about correct and continue!

      Your flexible student,
      Stella

      Delete
  3. Hi Stella!
    This is your friend Abigail. You are so good at gymnastics. You are very flexible indeed. Also, my siblings are always saying, "Stella can do this. Stella can that. Wow! Stella is so good at gymnastics!" What was the name of the flip combination you did at the end? That part was my favorite. I wish I could go to one of your practices or performances.

    I would also like to take gymnastics again. I took it for about four months, and I don't think that was enough time to get good at it.

    Your friend,
    Abigail

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Abigail,

      The flip is called a roundoff back handspring.
      If you went to one of my competitions, I would be less nervous.

      I am happy that I inspired you to try gymnastics again.

      Your best friend,
      Stella

      Delete
    2. Hi Stella,
      I can do the the splits vertically and horizontally, but not as good as you. I can also do a cartwheel and a backbend. I think that I do the backbend the best. I love how you have your own practice space at home. I should practice more. My mom encourages me to practice the splits everyday. What are some techniques you learned on the bars? Can you teach them to me next time?

      Your best friend,
      Abigail

      Delete
    3. Dear Abigail,

      I've done many different techniques on the bar. For example, last year in level 2, I did glide swings, pull overs, and mill circles. This year for level 3, we added front hip circles on top of what I've learned last year.

      I would love to teach you some cool techniques on the bar next time we have a play date or on the school yard.

      I think you will be able to learn the techniques and have a lot of fun!

      Love,
      Stella

      Delete
  4. Hi Stella,
    I love your routine. You're very flexible and strong! How many hours do you practice a week?
    Love,
    Aunt Van from Florida

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Van,
      Thank you for the compliments.
      I practice for 3 hours week. I start at 4:00pm and end at
      7:00pm.
      Love,
      Stella

      Delete
  5. Minnie (Stella's aunt)November 17, 2015 at 7:01 PM

    Hi Stella,

    It's auntie Minnie. I'm so happy to see that you've shared this video with everyone and as you should because you're so great at gymnastic! I can't do all the flips you can but I can still do a cartwheel!

    When I was a little girl, I loved playing with hula hoops. It was a great way for me to be silly, learn different tricks, and to be flexible. As an adult, I now enjoy yoga and body pump classes. These classes helps me maintain my body to be strong and healthy.

    What do you enjoy doing that keeps you strong and healthy?

    Yours truly,
    Minnie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Stella, I love gymnastics and I love your video. Your tricks are amazing! One of my favorite tricks was the back bend. I couldn't believe it, four years you have been in gymnastics! That sounds like a long time. I do have a question, when was this video taken? Has it been a long time? Or was it taken recently? Keep up the good work!

    Love, Angelique

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Angelique,

      What can you do in gymnastics? All I know how to do is a cartwheel. My friend can do a roundoff backhand spring and it took her two years to learn it.

      From,
      Will

      Delete
    2. Dear Angelique,

      I am happy that you enjoyed my video. The back bend is my favorite skill too! To answer your question, the video was taken last month. Have you taken gymnastics before?

      Your friend,
      Stella

      Delete

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