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Wicked Wands
May 12, 2014 | by
Primary Market
Education, Secondary Ed
Character Focus
Trust
Items Needed
1 Toobeez set
The Activity Time
45 minutes

Objectives

  • Improve coordination and balance
  • Develop flexibility
  • Develop reaction time
  • Discuss and reflect on the experience
Character Focus
Trust
The Challenge
Students will use various balancing and flexibility techniques with their wands.
Preparation
Time: 5 minutes

Materials

  • 1 Toobeez set

Setup

  • Have the 24” tubes ready (one tube per pair).
Activity Plan

Time: 45 minutes

Space: Medium

Instruction: Pairs

Helpful Hints

  • Be sure to review these tips prior to beginning the activity, and if necessary, share reminders with the group during the activity.
  • Remind students to visually focus on the top of the tube to aid in balancing
  • Encourage communication between partners

Here are available Training Options!

Activity Instructions

1. Circle up the group.

2. Read the following Activity Challenge Box to the group.

Challenge: Students will use various balancing and flexibility techniques with their wands.

3. Place the students with a partner. Each pair will receive one 24” tube.

4. Have student pairs attempt the following balancing techniques:wicked-wands1

  • Balancing while standing still
  • Walking while balancing, following the path of the wand
  • Use both hands to walking in different directions
  • Balance the wand on different body parts
  • While balancing the wand, exchange the wand with your partner (Provide pairs with an additional wand. One student balances the wand in front of them, and on a signal, each person goes to the other’s wand and catches it before it hits the floor)

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

Assessment

  • Teacher’s observation of student participation
  • Class discussion on flexibility and types of balance

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.
  • wicked-wands2Why is being active good for your?
  • How can you achieve a balance between activity and inactivity?
  • What did you find challenging about this activity?Is being flexible important? Why?
  • What was challenging about this activity?

Activity Variations

1. Increasing the difficulty.

During the partner exchange of the wands, have the students increase the distance between each other. Students can attempt to perform stunts such as a full turn before catching the wand.

2. Increase wand movements.
wicked-wands3Hold the wand in both hands near the ankles. Without letting go of the wand, step over the wand and through the space between the arms. A variation of this is to pass the wand under the feet from side to side, one foot at a time, or to hold the wand behind the body to step over the wand.

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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