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Stretchy Band Activity Ideas
Group- sitting in chairs
Use music that has a strong downbeat that is easy to follow. Start by having everyone tap the stretchy band on their legs to the beat. If you have one or two participants who typically cannot keep the beat, be sure they are seated next to someone who is able and has a strong sense of rhythm. They are able to keep the beat by default and get the sensory feedback of what it feels like. To help keep everyone on task, it is best to start with movements/concepts that you can do for 2 or 4 beats each.
Examples:
In for 4 beats/Out for 4 beats
Up/Down
Diagonals - one hand up and one hand down, then switch every four beats. This is sometimes very difficult at first. The great thing about the stretchy band is that you can grab the band next to the person's hands and help them understand what you are asking (instead of having to grab their hands). You can also work on concepts of left and right during this same strategy.
Be sure to watch for people who are getting tired. This is a very physical activity. (You will also feel it in your own muscles.) The best way to relax and give them a break is to move your hands from side to side. It doesn't matter if everyone is moving at a different speed for this one.
After creating structure through the rhythm of the music, other things to try include:
Moving arms in a circle like you are a rowing a boat.
Alternating arms in a circle like you a riding a bicycle with your hands.
Touching different body parts.
Alternating arms in an in/out motion (looks like a karate move).
Moving hands over head then behind the back, be sure that the stretchy band is low on each person's back and not on the neck. Move the stretchy band side to side or just rock your body side to side and you are giving yourself a back rub!
Moving the stretchy band around the circle (hand over hand) so that you end up with a different color. Switch directions.
You can also use your hands and feet combined:
Step on the stretchy band with two feet. Put your hand between your feet under the stretchy band and lift up like you are doing arm curls (lifting weights).
Put two feet close together on the stretchy band and put one hand on each side of your feet. Lift your feet up and into the middle of the circle. It looks like a star or a clover! While in this position you can also exercise your stomach muscles by bending your knees then straightening them again.
After giving the group lots of ideas, it is fun to let each group member come up with one idea/action for everyone else in the group to follow.
The best way to end is to count to three (or any number) and let go when you get to that number. Not everyone does it the first time, but it's a lot of fun and a great way to always end stretchy band activities.
Group - standing
This works best if you have already used the stretchy band sitting down so everyone has guidelines to follow. It is also best to be outside on grass. You can do many of the same activities as above but also incorporate running, some trust activities, and some folk type structured dancing.
You can think of many new ideas if you put the stretchy band on your back (all participants are inside the circle). Just a couple of ideas: Pick two people to trade spots. They run across the circle and sort of bounce off the other side when they get there. If you stretch the band very tight, you can also do trust activities by having everyone slowly lean out.
Personal Stretchy Bands:
Work on shape concepts. You can make a circle, an oval and a heart by laying the band on the floor. By using your feet and hands combined, you can easily make a triangle, square and rectangle. These are a new product, so we don't many more suggestions but be creative!
Music suggestions:
"Shake Your Sillies Out" by Raffi - Concepts are Shake, Clap ("tap" on legs), Jump (arms up and down) and Yawn (stretch way over head). In between each verse is "wiggle your waggles away" where you can wiggle your alternating hands in and out.
Music from "Riverdance" usually has a slow, steady beat then has a section with a strong beat and frequently ends with another relaxed section.
Percussion music without a melody. When using this music, you can sing songs such as "Row Your Boat" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes."
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" - Nylons
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