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STOMP - Rhythm Activity

Divide students into pairs or do this as a whole class activity.

• Teacher/leader beats out a rhythmical pattern (may use hands on desk/floor, clap, or stomp). Start with simple rhythm patterns (such as clap, clap, stomp, stomp) and encourage students to use large body movements to move to the rhythm.
• Leader will place hands up in the air when the pattern is complete so students will know it is their turn.
• Have students take turns initiating other rhythmical patterns to follow.

Chinese Jump Rope Routine

Divide students into groups of 4 or 5. Place two pieces of rope on the floor about shoulder width apart, one set for each group. Each piece of rope should be long enough that all students in the group can stand about one foot apart over the two pieces of rope. Begin the activity by having all students standing inside their group's ropes. Tell students to follow the moves that you call out; all moves are jumps. Call out the following sequence:

• Straddle L rope
• Straddle R rope
• Straddle L rope
• Straddle R rope
• Jump feet in together
• Jump straddle both feet outside
• Together
• Straddle
• Repeat Together-Straddle 5 times
• Have students take their heart rates for 15 seconds
• Try it 5 times again faster. Ask students: What happens to your heart rate?

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Exercise Buddy

• Organize students into pairs. On a signal from teacher/leader, partners shake hands. They select one exercise and perform it 10 times.
• Instruct students to quickly find a new partner. Partners give each other a high 5, then select a different exercise and perform it 10 times.
• Tell students to find a different partner. Partners give each other a 10 down low before selecting a new exercise and performing it 10 times.
• Next, the teacher/leader randomly calls out a partnership. As she does, students should find that partner quickly and perform their exercise set together. For example: find 10 down low partner, handshake partner, 10 down low partner, high 5 partner, etc.

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Don't Drop It

Posture and balance are very important; this activity helps build both. It can be done in pairs, in small groups or as a whole class.

• Students place an object on their heads, such as a bean bag, folder or eraser.
• Teacher/leader/partner gives different directions while the students try to keep the object on their heads balanced. Examples: Bend down, walk backwards, turn around in a circle.
• After trying this activity on the head, have students try balancing the object on different body parts (shoulder, elbow, back, top of hand, etc.)

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