Stretch-O-Mania

May 8, 2014 | by Tim Arem

Primary Market

Education, Secondary Ed

Character Focus

Perseverance

Items Needed

1 Toobeez set

The Activity Time

10 - 15 minutes

Objectives

Understand the importance of flexibility and stretching
Lean the stretch and hold the position for 10 to 40 seconds
Improve flexibility
Increase coordination
Improve balance
Discuss and reflect on the experience

Character Focus

Perseverance

The Challenge

This activity will help students to increase their flexibility over the course of the school year.

Preparation

Time: 5 minutes

Materials

1 Toobeez set

Setup

Provide each student with a Toobeez tube. The tube size can vary for this exercise.

Activity Plan

Time: 10 – 15 minutes

Space: Medium

Instruction: Whole class or individually

Helpful Hints

Be sure to review these tips prior to beginning the activity, and if necessary, share reminders with the group during the activity.

Ideally, stretching exercises should precede and follow exercise
Never bounce while stretching. Bouncing increases the risk of injury
Remind students that improved flexibility develops over time
Engage students in gentle warm-up exercises, such as light jogging, before starting the pre-exercise stretching routine
Students should stretch to the point that they feel a mild stretch, but not pain
Perform all flexibility exercises on both sides of the body
Avoid competition during stretching exercises
If the Toobeez break away at the ends of the tube, they can be gently snapped back together

Activity Instructions

1. Circle up the group. Review the difference between the “bounce” and the hold stretch. If necessary, model this difference for the group.

2. Read the Activity Challenge Box to the group.

Challenge: This activity will help students to increase their flexibility over the course of the school year.
3. Distribute the tubes to the students.

4. The teacher should now use the Toobeez to demonstrate the proper stretch for touching toes with the students.

5. By holding the tube by both ends, stretch to the left and to the right.

6. Have students repeat this stretch at least two to three times.

7. After the activity, move to the “Activity Discussion and Processing” section of the activity

Assessment

Teacher’s observation of student participation
Student discussion of the importance of proper stretching before and after exercise

Activity Discussion and Processing

To close the lesson, end with a group discussion about what was learned during the activity. Circle up the group, and work through the following questions. If possible, record the group’s responses on flip chart paper so all comments are displayed

How did your body feel before and after the stretching exercise?
What was challenging about this activity?
What did you have to do to become successful at this activity?

Activity Variations

1. Adjusting the activity.
Have the students exchange tubes for another size to change the stretch during the activity.

2. Changing the activity.
Add a stretch and spin of the shoulders to this activity. Have the students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart. While holding the ends of their tube, have the students reach above their heads with their arms fully extended. Repeat this stretch several times.

3. Increasing the difficulty.
Conduct the stretch in Variation #2, but add a slight flex in the knees. After reaching above their heads, have students then bend at the waist to reach toward their toes. Students should feel the stretch in their hamstring muscles. Repeat this stretch several times

Here are available Training Options!

About Author

Tim Arem (10 Activities)

Tim Arem is an award-winning fitness educator who believes in sharing health, fitness and entertainment with children and adults of all ages. Tim's love and concern for children extends across the United States and he actively supports the Special Olympics. He is an inspiration for motivating teachers and students in schools with his fitness pep rallies.
All Activities of Tim Arem

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