Start with the story. Then go through each chapter, one lesson at a time. Each lesson has three short checks. Each chapter ends with a review. The unit ends with a wrap-up.
A skateboard sits still until you push it. Then it rolls. Soon you need to slow down, turn and stop. In this unit you learn all four: push, roll, turn and stop.
You will learn which foot does what. Your front foot stays on the board. Your back foot pushes, and later it brushes the ground to slow you down. You will lean on your toes or heels to turn.
You will also learn why it works. A push is a force. Friction is rubbing that slows you. Gravity pulls you down a slope. Always ride with a buckled helmet and a grown-up nearby.
When it happened
Step 1
Buckle your helmet and put on wrist guards and pads
Step 2
Find smooth, dry ground away from cars, with a grown-up
Step 3
Stand on the board on grass or carpet to find your front foot
Step 4
Front foot near the front bolts, back foot pushes once
Step 5
Back foot goes on the board, knees bend, and you roll
Step 6
Press toes or heels a little to turn
Step 7
Brush your back foot on the ground to slow down
Step 8
Roll slowly, then step off with your back foot first
5
Chapter
Push and Roll
Moving
Big questionHow does one small push make a skateboard roll so far?
The story
One Small Push
Maya gives one small push. The board keeps going and going.
It is a sunny morning at the playground. The blacktop is smooth and dry. There are no cars here. Maya buckles her blue helmet. Her dad stands close by. He holds her new skateboard.
Maya puts her front foot on the board. She points her toes to the front. Her back foot stays on the ground. Her dad says, "Just a small push." Maya taps the ground with her back foot. It is a tiny push.
The board starts to roll! Maya lifts her back foot onto the board. She bends her knees. The wheels hum on the smooth ground. She rolls past the slide. She rolls past the swings. She did not push again.
The board slows down near the grass. Maya steps off. She looks back. "I only pushed one time!" she says. Her dad smiles. "Smooth ground helps you roll far," he says. Maya wants to try again.
Talk about itMaya pushed only once. Why do you think she rolled so far?
Section 1
Ready to Ride
5.1
Safe Before You Roll
Main ideaPut on a buckled helmet and find a smooth, safe place before you ride.
Before you ride, put on a . It should sit low on your forehead. Buckle the strap under your chin. A helmet keeps your head safe if you fall.
Wrist guards and knee pads help too. Wear flat shoes with good grip. Ride on smooth, dry ground. Stay far away from cars and streets.
Kids your age ride with a grown-up close by. The grown-up helps you choose a safe spot. A grown-up can hold your hand on your first rolls.
Words to know
helmet
a hard hat that keeps your head safe when you ride
Check yourself
1. Where does a helmet buckle go?
Why: You buckle the strap under your chin. Then the helmet stays on.
2. Which place is good for learning to ride?
Why: Smooth, dry ground away from cars is safe for learning.
3. Who should be close by when a young kid rides?
Why: Kids your age ride with a grown-up close by to help.
5.2
Front Foot, Back Foot
Main ideaYour front foot goes near the front of the board, and your back foot does the pushing.
Stand on the board on grass or carpet first. Then it cannot roll away. One foot goes in front. That is your . The other foot is your back foot.
Some people ride with the left foot in front. That is called . Some ride with the right foot in front. That is called goofy. Both ways are good.
How can you find your front foot? Try both ways on the grass. One way will feel more steady. Use the way that feels right to you.
Words to know
front foot
the foot that stays near the front of the board
regular
riding with the left foot in front; riding with the right foot in front is called goofy
Check yourself
1. Why stand on a board on grass first?
Why: On grass or carpet the board stays still. You can practice standing.
2. What is goofy?
Why: Goofy means the right foot is in front. It is a normal way to ride.
3. Which way of riding is the right way?
Why: Regular and goofy are both good. Pick the way that feels steady.
Section 2
The Push
5.3
One Foot Pushes
Main ideaYour front foot stays on the board while your back foot pushes the ground.
Put your front foot on the board near the front . Point your toes to the front. Bend that knee a little. Your back foot stands on the ground next to the board.
Next, press your back foot on the ground. Push back, like a step. Your front foot stays on the board the whole time. The board moves forward.
Does the board slide away from you? Keep more weight on your front foot. Do you wobble? Bend your knees more. Look ahead, not down at your feet.
Words to know
bolts
the small screws on top of the board that hold the wheel parts on
Check yourself
1. Which foot pushes the ground?
Why: The back foot pushes. The front foot stays on the board.
2. Where does your front foot go?
Why: The front foot goes near the front bolts, toes pointing ahead.
3. You wobble when you push. What helps?
Why: Bent knees help you balance. Look ahead too.
5.4
A Push Is a Force
Main ideaA push is a force, and a force can start a board moving.
A board sits still on the ground. It will not go by itself. Then your foot pushes the ground. Now the board moves. Your push started it.
A push is a . A force is a push or a pull. Forces make things start to move. Forces can make things stop, too.
Your foot pushes back on the ground. The ground pushes you forward. That is why you go ahead when you push back.
Words to know
force
a push or a pull
Check yourself
1. What is a force?
Why: A force is a push or a pull. It can start things moving.
2. A board sits still. What makes it move?
Why: A still board will not go by itself. A push starts it.
3. Your foot pushes back. Which way do you go?
Why: Your foot pushes back on the ground. The ground pushes you forward.
5.5
Foot Back On, Roll
Main ideaAfter a push, put your back foot on the board and roll with bent knees.
First, push one time. Then lift your back foot. Put it on the back of the board, near the back bolts. Your feet are now on the board.
Next, turn your front foot a little sideways. Now both feet point across the board. Bend your knees. Hold your arms out a little. Now you roll!
Put your back foot on gently. A hard stomp can tip the board. Keep your eyes ahead. A grown-up can walk beside you the first times.
Words to know
roll
to move along on wheels
balance
to stay steady and not tip over
Check yourself
1. Where does the back foot go after the push?
Why: After the push, the back foot goes on the back of the board, near the back bolts.
2. What helps you keep your balance as you roll?
Why: Bent knees and arms out a little help you stay steady.
3. Why put your back foot on gently?
Why: A soft step keeps the board steady. A hard stomp can tip it.
Section 3
How Far You Go
5.6
Small Pushes Are Fine
Main ideaSmall pushes make a slow, steady ride, which is good for learning.
A small push makes a slow roll. A big push makes a fast roll. When you are learning, slow is good. Slow gives you time to think.
Try one small push. Roll and balance. When the board slows, push again. Many small pushes can take you far.
Feeling a little scared is normal. It tells you to go slow. Small pushes help you feel safe. Bigger pushes can come later.
Words to know
speed
how fast something moves
Check yourself
1. What does a small push make?
Why: A small push makes a slow roll. Slow is good when you learn.
2. Your board slows down. What can you do?
Why: When the board slows, give another small push with your back foot.
3. You feel a little scared. What helps?
Why: Fear tells you to go slow. Small pushes help you feel safe.
5.7
Smooth or Bumpy Ground
Main ideaSmooth ground lets a board roll far, and bumpy ground slows it down.
Wheels roll best on smooth ground. A smooth playground or a flat floor is good. The board can roll a long way on one push.
Bumpy ground slows you down. Rough spots rub on the wheels. A crack or a small rock can stop a wheel fast. Then you can tip forward.
Before you ride, look at the ground. Kick away little rocks and sticks. Ride where it is smooth and dry. Walk around big cracks.
Words to know
smooth
flat and even, with no bumps
wheels
the four round parts under the board that roll
Check yourself
1. Where does a board roll the farthest?
Why: Wheels roll best on smooth ground. The board goes far.
2. What can a small rock do to a wheel?
Why: A small rock or a crack can stop a wheel fast. You can tip forward.
3. What should you do before you ride?
Why: Look at the ground first. Kick away rocks and sticks.
Chapter review
Push and Roll
0 / 6
1. What does a rider wear to keep the head safe?
Why: A helmet keeps your head safe. Buckle it under your chin.
2. Which foot stays on the board when you push?
Why: The front foot stays on the board. The back foot pushes.
3. A push is a kind of what?
Why: A push is a force. A force is a push or a pull.
4. What do you do right after you push?
Why: After the push, your back foot goes on the back of the board. Then you roll.
5. Which ground helps a board roll far?
Why: Smooth, dry ground helps wheels roll far.
6. Riding with the right foot in front is called what?
Why: Right foot in front is goofy. Left foot in front is regular. Both are good.
Send it to your teacher
6
Chapter
Slow Down, Turn, Stop
Moving
Big questionHow can a rider slow down, turn and stop safely?
The story
The Little Slope
The board speeds up on a slope. Jada learns how to slow it down.
Jada and her aunt go to the park. There is a long, smooth path with no cars. One part of the path tips down a tiny bit. It is a very gentle slope. Jada checks her helmet strap.
Jada rolls onto the slope. She did not push, but the board goes faster. The wind blows on her face. "Whoa!" she says. Her aunt walks fast beside her. "Drag your back foot," says her aunt.
Jada keeps her front foot on the board. She bends her front knee. She lowers her back foot. Her shoe brushes the ground. Shhh, shhh. The board slows down. Then it stops.
Jada laughs. "My shoe was like a brake!" Her aunt nods. "The ground rubs your shoe. That slows you." Jada walks back up. This time she slows down early, before she gets fast.
Talk about itWhy did the board go faster on the slope when Jada did not push?
Section 1
Slowing Down
6.1
Drag a Foot Gently
Main ideaBrush your back foot lightly on the ground to slow down while your front foot stays on.
First, roll slowly on flat ground. Turn your front foot so the toes point ahead. Bend your front knee. Keep most of your weight on that front foot.
Next, lower your back foot to the ground beside the board. Let the flat bottom of your shoe brush the ground. Press a little. The board slows down.
Press a little more to slow down more. Use the whole flat shoe, not just the heel. A heel alone can bounce. Never drag a foot hard all at once. This way of slowing is called a .
Words to know
foot brake
slowing down by brushing your back foot on the ground
Check yourself
1. Which foot brushes the ground to slow down?
Why: The back foot brushes the ground. The front foot stays on the board.
2. Which part of the shoe should touch the ground?
Why: Use the whole flat shoe. A heel alone can bounce.
3. How do you slow down more?
Why: Press a little more to slow down more. Do it gently, not all at once.
6.2
Rubbing Slows You
Main ideaFriction is the rubbing that slows things down.
Rub your hands together fast. Do they feel warm? Your hands rub and push on each other. That rubbing is called .
Friction slows moving things down. When your shoe brushes the ground, the ground rubs it. The rubbing slows your board. Your shoe works like a brake.
Rough ground makes more friction than smooth ground. Grass makes a lot. That is why a board stops fast on grass. Friction helps you stop.
Words to know
friction
the rubbing between two things that slows them down
brake
something that slows down or stops a moving thing
Check yourself
1. What is friction?
Why: Friction is rubbing between two things. It slows them down.
2. Why does your shoe slow the board?
Why: The ground rubs your shoe. That rubbing is friction, and it slows you.
3. Where does a board stop the fastest?
Why: Grass makes a lot of friction. The board stops fast.
Section 2
Leaning to Turn
6.3
Lean on Your Toes
Main ideaPress your toes down and the board turns toward your toe side.
Stand on the board on grass first. Press down with your toes. The board tips toward your toes. The side your toes point to is the .
Under the board are two metal parts called . They hold the wheels. When the board tips, the trucks turn the wheels.
Now roll slowly on smooth ground. Press your toes a little. Bend your knees. Look where you want to go. The board curves to your toe side.
Words to know
toe side
the side of the board your toes point to
trucks
the metal parts under the board that hold the wheels and help it turn
Check yourself
1. You press your toes down. Which way does the board turn?
Why: Pressing your toes tips the board toward your toe side. It turns that way.
2. What are trucks?
Why: Trucks are the metal parts under the board. They hold the wheels and help it turn.
3. Where should you look when you turn?
Why: Look where you want to go. Your body follows your eyes.
6.4
Lean on Your Heels
Main ideaPress your heels down and the board turns toward your heel side.
Your heels are at the back of your feet. The side of the board behind your heels is the . Stand on the board on grass. Press your heels down.
The board tips toward your heels. Now try it while you roll slowly. Press your heels a little. Bend your knees. The board curves to your heel side.
Heel turns can feel strange. You cannot see behind you well. Turn your head and shoulders to look where you are going. Small leans make small turns.
Words to know
heel side
the side of the board behind your heels
lean
to tip your body a little to one side
Check yourself
1. Where is the heel side of the board?
Why: The heel side is the side of the board behind your heels.
2. You press your heels down. Which way does the board turn?
Why: Pressing your heels tips the board toward your heel side.
3. How do you make a small turn?
Why: Small leans make small turns. Start small.
Section 3
Hills and Stopping
6.5
Slopes Make You Faster
Main ideaGravity pulls you down a slope, so the board speeds up without a push.
A ball on a slide rolls down. Nobody pushes it. A pull brings it down. That pull is called . Gravity pulls everything toward the ground.
A is ground that tips down. On a slope, gravity pulls your board down. The board goes faster and faster. You do not need to push.
Learn on flat ground first. Later, a grown-up can find a tiny slope with no cars. Never ride down a street or a big hill. Practice slowing down before you try any slope.
Words to know
gravity
the pull that brings things down toward the ground
slope
ground that tips down, like a small hill
Check yourself
1. What pulls a board down a slope?
Why: Gravity pulls things down. On a slope, it pulls the board down and speeds it up.
2. What happens to a board on a slope?
Why: Gravity pulls it down the slope, so it goes faster and faster.
3. Where should a new rider learn?
Why: Learn on flat ground first. Practice slowing down before any slope.
6.6
Stop Before Too Fast
Main ideaStart slowing down early, before the board gets too fast.
Slow is easy to stop. Fast is hard to stop. So start your foot brake early. Do not wait until you are going fast.
Pick a stop spot before you roll, like a tree or a line. Start to slow down well before it. Then you can stop right there.
Feeling fast and scared? Bend your knees and get low. Brush your back foot gently. A grown-up can stand at your stop spot to help.
Words to know
stop spot
a place you choose ahead of time to stop the board
Check yourself
1. When should you start to slow down?
Why: Slow is easy to stop. Start your foot brake early.
2. What is a stop spot?
Why: A stop spot is a place you pick ahead of time, like a line or a tree.
3. You feel fast and scared. What helps?
Why: Getting low helps you balance. A gentle foot brake slows you.
6.7
Step Off Safely
Main ideaSlow down first, then step off with your back foot and walk it out.
First, slow down until you roll like a walk. Next, step your back foot onto the ground. Then step your front foot off. Take a few walking steps.
Sometimes you tip. That is part of learning. Bend your knees and get low. Low falls are small falls. Try to roll onto your side.
Do not catch yourself with stiff, straight arms. That can hurt your wrists. Wrist guards and knee pads help. Get up slowly and check that you feel okay.
Words to know
step off
to get off the board by putting your feet on the ground
fall small
to get low and roll so a fall is soft
Check yourself
1. What do you do before you step off?
Why: Slow down first, until you roll like a walk. Then step off.
2. Which foot steps off first?
Why: The back foot steps onto the ground first. Then the front foot.
3. You start to fall. What helps?
Why: Low falls are small falls. Roll, and do not catch yourself with stiff arms.
Chapter review
Slow Down, Turn, Stop
0 / 6
1. What slows the board when your shoe brushes the ground?
Why: The ground rubs your shoe. That rubbing is friction.
2. Which foot stays on the board in a foot brake?
Why: The front foot stays on the board. The back foot brushes the ground.
3. You press your toes down. Where does the board go?
Why: Pressing your toes turns the board to the toe side.
4. Why does a board speed up on a slope?
Why: Gravity pulls the board down the slope. It goes faster.
5. Why should you start slowing down early?
Why: Slow is easy to stop. Fast is hard to stop.
6. How do you fall small?
Why: Bend low and roll. Low falls are small falls.
Send it to your teacher
★
Unit wrap-up
Push, Roll, Stop
Twelve words, twelve meanings
0 / 8
Tap a word, then tap its meaning. A right pair locks in green.
Words
Meanings
Unit test
Fifteen questions across the unit
0 / 10
1. What starts a still board moving?
Why: A push is a force. It starts the board moving.
2. Which foot pushes the ground?
Why: The back foot pushes. The front foot stays on the board.
3. After you push, where does your back foot go?
Why: After a push, the back foot goes on the back of the board. Then you roll.
4. Which ground is best for rolling far?
Why: Wheels roll best on smooth, dry ground.
5. What is friction?
Why: Friction is rubbing between two things. It slows them down.
6. How do you slow down with a foot brake?
Why: Keep your front foot on and brush your back foot gently.
7. You press your heels down. Which way does the board turn?
Why: Pressing your heels turns the board to the heel side.
8. What makes a board go faster down a slope?
Why: Gravity pulls the board down the slope. It speeds up.
9. Which foot steps off first?
Why: Slow down, then step your back foot onto the ground first.
10. What should you wear every time you ride?
Why: A buckled helmet keeps your head safe. Flat shoes help too.
Send it to your teacher
Spiral review
Five questions from earlier units
0 / 5
1. (Unit 2) About how many fingers fit under a buckled chin strap?
Why: A snug strap leaves room for about one finger.
2. (Unit 1) About when did stores start to sell skateboards?
Why: Ready-made boards were sold in stores around 1959.
3. (Unit 2) What part of a helmet soaks up a bump?
Why: The foam squishes and soaks up the hit.
4. (Unit 1) Why did people call it sidewalk surfing?
Why: Riders leaned and turned like surfers, but on paths and sidewalks.
5. (Unit 2) Why not wear flip-flops to skate?
Why: Flip-flops slide off. Flat sneakers grip the board.
Send it to your teacher
Write it
Tell how to push off, roll and stop on a skateboard. Say what the front foot and the back foot do. Then tell why the board starts (a push) and why it slows (friction).
Start with your helmet and a safe place.
Use the words front foot and back foot.
Use First, Next and Then.
Use the words force and friction.
0 wordsSaved on this device as you type.
Practice rooms
Rooms already on the site that belong to this unit — cards, quizzes, a lab.
Every lesson keeps its own three checks; a lesson is ticked when all three are right. Chapter reviews, the unit test and its spiral review (five questions from earlier units in this band) score on the page. When the site is connected to your sheet, or the link carries ?dest=, each one also has a Send box: the first-try score, the standards, the supports used, the attempt number and the minutes go to your sheet as an IEP data point.
Print this page for a paper copy of the readings, the sources, the words and the questions; the answers print as dashed boxes under each question.
Fact-check notes for this course live in the handoff: quotes marked (paraphrased) were set that way on purpose.
