The Kentucky Derby and the Pancake Race, by Kathy Wagner

The Kentucky Derby and Pancake Race are two traditions that resulted from activities in Early Childhood Physical Education that were meant to educate children about special events held in our country and state. 

Starting in the late 1990s, children in PE mounted stick horses to gallop around the quadrangle or gym.  Over the years, this tradition has become more elaborate, with a grandstand, fancy hats, lemonade mint juleps, homemade binoculars, the traditional trumpet call, red roses for the winning horse and jockey, and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.”  In recent years, each class has chosen a horse running in the real Kentucky Derby, with roses going to the class that chooses the winner.

The International Pancake Race between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, has been going on for 63 years.  Since students seemed unfamiliar with this event, a race was held in PE in the late 1990s to help students understand how and why the race is run.  Students dressed in scarves and aprons, carried a frying pan, and flipped a real pancake at the start and finish of the race.  Pictures were taken and posted outside each classroom.  Over the years, this has become an annual event that students in early childhood look forward to each year.

Do YOU have favorite memories or photos from past Kentucky Derby or Pancake Day activities?  Please feel free to post them here!