Shake Out

AKA
Shake Down, 16
Materials

None

Directions

Have students stand in a circle with a bit of room between each person. Explain that we will shake out our right hand, left hand, right leg, and left leg on different counts. First we will shake 16 times with each body part, then 8, then 4, then 2, then 1. Each time, everyone counts out loud from one up to the number shaking that body part and then moving on to the next with the same number. Example:

Right arm: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 16

Left arm: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 16

Right leg: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 16

Left leg: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 16

Right arm: 1, 2, 3, 4... 8

Left arm: 1, 2, 3, 4...8

and so on through 8, 4, 2, 1.

The game is fast and can be used as a cool off (shaking off the work) or as a warm up to prepare for work. After "1, 1, 1, 1" everyone can either take in a deep breath and let it out or say something togther, depending on the goal of the exercise.

Reflection

Describe: How does it feel to take a deep breath at the end versus to say a word out loud or to yell?

Analyze: Which do you prefer and why?

Relate: Why do we play this game?

Possible Side-Coaching

"Really work to warm up your body"

"Say the numbers as clearly and quickly as possible"

Possible Variations/Applications

You can use any series of numbers for the game.