“We ordered six sets to distribute around the district. We send out a Google Form and teachers request them, then either a coach or the teacher picks them up from the warehouse. We’ve had them for two years now, and there’s so much interest we’re thinking about getting more.”
– Carlos Rodriguez
Curriculum Specialist, Milwaukee Public Schools
Why Gaga Pits?
Keeping students excited and active during PE and recess can be tough, but one school district found a winning solution: Inflatable Gaga Pits. Milwaukee Public Schools Curriculum Specialist explains, “We wanted to boost engagement in our PE classes because active kids learn better. The Gaga pits were a perfect choice.”
Easy District Borrowing System
The district bought six inflatable Gaga pits to lend out to different schools. Teachers use a simple online form to request one. After they request, someone from facilities or even the teacher themselves picks it up from a central warehouse.
Flexible Usage
“Some teachers borrow the pits for just a two-day event, while others keep them for up to six weeks to include as a regular part of PE lessons,” Carlos explains. It’s an easy, flexible system, and the pits fill up quickly with a motorized blower. Ready to use in less than five minutes!
Increased Engagement, Fewer Disruptions
Teachers love the program because it’s easy and keeps kids moving. “Our students get their hearts pumping, sweat a little, and laugh a lot,” Carlos says. “We also noticed fewer classroom disruptions because kids are more engaged.”
Great for Recess Too
It’s not just PE classes seeing the benefits. Schools also use the Gaga pits during recess or school-wide events. Principals have noticed fewer behavior issues because students have something exciting and structured to do. “It keeps the students busy in a positive way,” Carlos notes.
Growing Popularity
The Gaga pits have proven so popular that schools are requesting even more. Carlos shares, “We have 174 teachers, and our six pits aren’t enough. The interest is amazing. Some principals even bought their own pits for their schools!”
Adaptable for Any Gym
The district chose inflatable Gaga pits because they’re simple to set up and take down. They ordered different sizes for various school gyms. “We have some smaller gyms and some larger ones, so we got three of each size,” Carlos explained.
Reliable Equipment & Service
Carlos’s district purchased the pits from Gopher because of their excellent customer service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. “With kids, equipment can wear out quickly, but Gopher replaces it fast if something happens,” he added.
Try It In Your District
Districts or schools interested in trying Gaga pits can learn from Carlos’s approach: Start small, create a lending system, and track demand. Carlos encourages others to give it a try, sharing that “it’s an easy way to make PE and recess more exciting and productive.”
Thanks to this successful borrowing program, more students are active, happier, and engaged. It’s an investment that’s clearly making a big difference, and smile, all around.
