Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes at Walnut Elementary School concluded a five-day fast-paced look at rollerblading Tuesday.

Walnut physical education teacher Kyle Myers said that one of the goals for the unit was to keep his students active.

"As anyone can see, rollerblading has made the students more active," said Myers. "This is a way to get fit kids."

Myers said that at the beginning, some students could skate and others could not. He said that there was a lot of falling down and holding onto the walls in the gymnasium.

"We had an instructor come in the first day to show the kids how to put on the equipment," said Myers. "They were shown how to stand up and how to fall down."

Rollerblades and wrist protectors were provided by the school. Myers said that the school used fundraising money to allow all the students the opportunity to participate.

Myers said that teachers have joined their classes on more than one occasion. He said that even a 70-year-old aide strapped on some skates and joined the students.

"It is neat to see everyone get involved," said Myers. "Maybe this will get them to skate outside of school, too. I am sure that some of the students will get rollerblades for Christmas."

Walnut students said that they enjoyed the rollerblade experience.

Sixth-grader Brody Pickett said that he had fun. He said that it was fun to skate in school.

"I loved this class," said Pickett. "I would love to do this again."

A number of students said that they enjoyed performing jumps while on the skates. Many students who already knew how to skate acquired new skills by going through the class.

"I learned a lot this week," said sixth-grader Mackenzie White. "Mrs. (Jaime) McCormick taught us how to skate backwards."

Sixth grader Natalie McKee said that at the beginning she was not a good skater. She said that throughout the week she improved.

"It took me a while to get used to skating," said McKee. "I want to keep skating now."

Myers said that he knew the students enjoyed the rollerblading unit. He said that he hopes that the school will be able to continue to offer it to students.

"It has been such a hit that we will probably try to do this again," said Myers. "The only bummer for the kids is that they have to listen to my kind of music."