Fishing for good grades at Frederick D. Thomas Middle
The physical education teachers at Frederick D. Thomas Middle have reeled in new lesson plans that also make use of the school’s natural environment.
The gymnasium at the new school wasn’t ready for students at the beginning of the year, so teachers Steve Re and Lynn Richardson took a necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention approach with students.
“I was walking around campus with the kids and told coach [Richardson] that we might want to look into fishing,” Re said, noting Lewes’ Blockhouse Pond is adjacent to the school.
At a physical education teacher conference, the two educators learned about implementing and running a fishing program. The new school PTO asked for donations of fishing rods, and Re fashioned a mobile rod holder with a cart and PVC pipe.
Blockhouse Pond is a catch-and-release fishing site, and students have reeled in a fair amount of bass and sunfish already. While students fish, Re and Richardson ride bikes around the pond to assist when needed.
“The kids love it,” Re said. “We had to show some how to use rods, and had to untangle lines a lot the first couple days, but that’s gotten better. We’ll hook the bait unless they’re comfortable doing it.”
Members of the public and Beebe Healthcare employees walking around the pond during their breaks have enjoyed engaging with students and offering angling tips as well, Re said.
