School & Family Magazine Newstand Keller ISD Winter 2017-18 | Page 14

Freedom Elementary
Going Gaga for
GaGa Ball
T
hese days, if students come home from school talking about “gaga” they may be less likely
referencing a pop star or baby talk, and more likely talking about a game growing in popularity
among elementary and intermediate school students – GaGa Ball.
It can be difficult to grasp exactly what GaGa Ball is or how it’s played without seeing it in person
or combing through YouTube videos. The best description is a game of dodgeball with just one
ball, all taking place within the confines of an octagon pen (or “pit”). Variations on the rules
exist, but typically it’s played with a single ball that can only be struck with the hand – no kicking
or throwing it – and is supposed to be kept below the players’ knees. Hit by the ball below your
knees? You’re out. The game is played until all but one player is eliminated.
GaGa Ball has been around for several years, being played in schools, playgrounds, and church
camps, but is growing in popularity as an activity in Keller ISD. Freedom Elementary has been one
of the early adopters of GaGa Ball in the District as Physical Education Teacher Shelby McCaleb
introduced the game to her students after playing it at her previous school in Houston. This past
fall, Freedom purchased the materials to construct its very own GaGa
Ball pit – the game’s official playing arena – and campus Watch DOGS
– Dads of Great Students – helped assemble it. Ever since, it’s been a
popular place during recess or P.E. Classes.
“The kids love it,” McCaleb said. “I’ve had parents tell me it’s all their
kids talk about when they come home, and teachers say it’s provided
something for students to do during recess.”
Play begins with 15-20 players in the pit and the bouncy ball being tossed into the center. Players
yell “Ga” the first two times the ball bounces, and then yell “Go” on the third bounced, at which
point play begins. In the game’s early stages, with the pit full of players, it can often be a debated
point as to whether a ball struck a certain player and whether it was below the knee. McCaleb said
this self-policing has also given GaGa Ball the nickname “Integrity Ball” at Freedom Elementary.
As players exit the game, they line the Gaga Ball Pit along with other students waiting for the next
round, and as each game winds down, it becomes more of a spectator affair with those around
the pit cheering on their fellow students.
The pit itself took a group of four Watch DOGS about two hours to put together. Watch DOG Rick
Branum is the father of two Freedom Elementary students and helped in the construction. He said
the pit comes as a kit, and after purchasing wood, it was simply a matter of drilling some holes
and putting the whole thing together. With the popularity of the game, he says they will likely be
constructing another pit very soon.
“Students have been really excited about it, and that’s been fun for us to see” Branum said. “I
think it’s become one of the most popular things for them to do at recess.”
A few other schools in Keller ISD also have GaGa Ball pits on their playgrounds and playfields, and
if the growing popularity of the game at Freedom Elementary is any indication, it won’t be long
before pits show up at even more schools as students go gaga for GaGa Ball.
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