Hi Chris, can you tell me a little about yourself and what you do?
My name is Chris Martin. I am a father, husband, teacher and coach. I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwépemc'ulucw. I am a grade 7 teacher at Westsyde Elementary School in Kamloops, BC. After teaching for 20 years, I am constantly looking for new and interesting ways to engage my students.
How did you hear about Roarockit? What inspired you to bring skateboard building into the classroom?
As an ex-skater, I have always appreciated skateboarding as an art form. I have some classic decks on the wall of my classroom and students always ask about them. I first heard about Roarockit from my friend and colleague Mike O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien is an art teacher at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School in Okotoks, Alberta. Mike posted images of the work he's done in his classroom… including building skateboards. He not only pointed me in the direction of Roarockit, but has been my mentor throughout the process.
How do you feel this program benefits the classroom? How do you work this into your curriculum?
The main benefit of implementing the Roarockit program in my classroom is having students create something completely from scratch with their hands; the gluing, the sanding, the graphics are entirely done by students with guidance from amazing community volunteers and myself. Curriculum connections are plentiful: Science, Art, Applied Design Skills and Technologies (ADST), Physical Education, Social Studies (history), and ELA (journaling). This program ticks a lot of boxes for the classroom teacher but, most importantly, highly engages students with the "cool" factor.
What were the students’ reactions to getting to build skateboards in the classroom? Do you have any special stories to share of the effects it had on your students?
The buzz that the skateboard project created around our school was amazing! We often heard "You guys are making skateboards? No way!?" Almost unanimously, students in my class were all in on the project. This project opened the eyes of many students who were uncertain about working with their hands or had little knowledge of skateboarding. This project is so much more than building skateboards... it's about creativity, it's hands on, it's about trying something new! This project is also very inclusive as students from all walks of life and abilities are able to find success in this project.
How were you able to get skateboard building started in your class, did you have to jump through any administrative hoops to get there?
Getting started on the Roarockit project took place in 2 parts over 2 school years. I was able to secure funding from my school district to purchase the Street Deck Teacher's Double Kit. This kit allowed me to try out the system and demo it for my class. I strongly suggest this to teachers as a Pro-D before getting students involved. Once I realized how easy it is for this project to happen in my classroom, I moved forward on how to get funding for a class set of Street Decks. I was lucky enough to have an administrator that shared my vision for the project and we were able to again secure funding and there was no charge to students. I also received funding from our amazing PAC for the art supplies needed for the board graphics. Moving into the 2023/2024 school year, I will need to charge a small fee ($40 to $50) to students to complete the project. That said, I am always looking for funding opportunities and I have faith that we will be able to reduce costs on families.
How did it turn out? Are the students riding their boards afterwards, or do they use them more as an art project?
I have to say that the boards turned out better than I thought they would! Students took a lot of pride in the construction of their boards and really enjoyed the finishing aspect of the construction. Students seemed to really enjoy the sanding of the boards and it appeared to be a relaxing activity for many. Planning and implementing the graphics was challenging for many students. We did a lot of research on the history of skateboard art and looked at planning designs that were meaningful to students. Overall, the graphics turned out great and most students were happy with their designs. We completed the boards at the end of the school year so I am not certain how many students are riding their boards. We did connect with our local skate shop, The Truth, who offered a discount on trucks, wheels, and hardware for students. The connection with The Truth has been extremely valuable and I would encourage teachers to reach out to their local skate shop.
Do you have a history of skateboarding?
Growing up in the late 80s and the early 90s, I spent a lot of time skating and snowboarding. As I got older, riding skateboards faded however my appreciation for the sport and skate/snowboard art was always there. I have some of my favourite Old Skool decks on my classroom walls and I regularly show skate videos to my students. What I appreciate most about skateboarding (and BMX, MTB, snowboarding) is the determination and perseverance that these athletes commit to. As a joke, I have said that skateboarders are going to save the world with their grit, perseverance, and determination. Who knows? Maybe some of that determination will rub off on students building these boards in my classroom?
Thanks for your time Chris! Any last words for the viewers back home?
I came across Roarockit through a colleague. Teachers supporting teachers is an amazing thing which (IMHO) is underutilized. I would gladly lend my support to any educators who want to know more about this program. Thanks!
Follow along with what Chris is up to on his Instagram!
Taryn O’Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company