A Letter About Double Dutch
1Dear Principal Haddad,
We are writing to ask if our school can start a Double Dutch jump rope team. In Double Dutch, two people turn two long ropes in opposite directions while a third person jumps in the middle. We have been practicing at recess for two months, and more students ask to join us every week. We think a team would be good for our whole school. Here are our reasons.
2First, Double Dutch is a great way to stay healthy. Jumping rope makes your heart pump faster and builds strong leg muscles. It also improves balance, because jumpers have to land lightly on the balls of their feet over and over. On rainy days, a team could practice in the gym, so students would keep moving all year long.
3Second, Double Dutch teaches teamwork. The two turners must swing the ropes at the same speed, or the ropes will tangle. The jumper has to watch the ropes closely and wait for the right moment to jump in. Last week, Malik and Sofia could not keep a steady beat, so they counted out loud together until their turns matched. When all three work well together, the ropes make a steady slap, slap sound on the blacktop. In Double Dutch, every person depends on the others.
4Most important, a team would be open to everyone. Unlike some sports, Double Dutch does not need costly uniforms or a large field. All a team needs is a few long ropes and some open space. Students of any size can learn to turn or jump, and nobody has to sit on a bench while others play. At recess, our group already includes third, fourth, and fifth graders.
5Coach Brennan has offered to help us after school on Wednesdays. We hope you will agree that a Double Dutch team would make our school healthier, closer, and more welcoming.
Sincerely,
Kenji Watanabe and Lorena Diaz