Teach Kids Through Play ~ the story of the Pogo Stick…
Each TOY or GAME has a STORY – a WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY & HOW – to share with kids.
Today, it’s the POGO STICK’s turn to tell its story ~
WHO invented the Pogo Stick: The first American-made Pogo Stick was designed and patented by George Hansburg, a toy maker from Illinois.
WHAT makes a Pogo Stick work: The Pogo Stick has a long, rigid body attached to handle-bars… in the shape of a T. The bottom of the Pogo Stick has foot pegs and a plunger mechanism consisting of a tube within a tube. Either steel springs or elastic bands create the bouncing action. The steel springs or elastic bands are compressed and released as the Pogo Sticker bounces. Gravity plays a big part in the compressions and releases.
WHEN was the Pogo Stick invented: Ah… a couple of answers here:
1. George Hansburg patented the Pogo Stick in 1919
2. But there is a wonderful story/legend/truth perhaps that a German traveler passing through Burma happened upon a little girl named Pogo who didn’t have shoes to wear on her long, rocky, muddy walk to her temple to pray. Pogo’s father had designed a jumping stick that enabled her to leap over the rocks and mud on the path, and all was well with Pogo. When the German traveler returned home, he designed a jumping stick with a spring for bouncing action and called it the Pogo Stick. Believe it or don’t!
WHERE is the Pogo Stick used: This answer is easy – everywhere! There’s even Pogopalooza, which is the annual extreme Pogo Athlete Exposition. These Pogo Stickers compete in categories such as Big Air, High Jump, Street Tech and Best Trick.
HOW do you learn to Pogo Stick: Protective gear recommended. Hard, flat surface. Plenty of room. You’re heavy enough to compress the plunger mechanism and balance yourself during the bounce. A how-to book or video. Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember – Balance, Bounce, Big air.
The Pogo Stick has a wonderfully interesting STORY, doesn’t it?
Now, go share it with your kids and show them your Stick Skillz!
