3 minute read

Lesson 4: Warm-up and play

Lesson 4: Warm-up and play

Recommended resources: open space, any musical instruments or music, posters with musical instruments, study guide and any props, like tins with pebbles inside, chairs, balls, etc.

4.1 Warm-up: Stretching

It is important to start your routine by stretching. You must prepare your body for the activities to come. You have to stretch your entire body: • Neck • Shoulders • Face • Hands and fingers • Spine • Hips • Arms and legs • Ankles and feet

The best way to start is in an upright position, with your shoulders back, facing forward. You can start stretching from head to toe. Hold every stretch for 20 seconds. Let us do a few nice stretches. You can play relaxing music in the background.

1. Neck Stand upright. Place your hands behind your back. Keep your head up with eyes facing forward. Move your neck slowly to the left and then to the right. Repeat the exercise 10 times per side.

Image 2.1

2. Shoulders Stand upright. Take your right arm and place it behind your head to touch your back. Take your left arm and hold your right elbow. Pull the elbow slightly backwards. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat with the other arm.

Image 2.2

3. Face Having to warm up your face might sound really funny. In drama and singing, we use the facial muscles and it is therefore important to prepare them.

Image 2.3

Frown with your whole face and then open your mouth wide, as if you want to scream. Repeat 10 times.

4. Hands and fingers Make a tight fist and open it quickly. Repeat with both hands. Repeat 10 times with each hand.

Image 2.4 Image 2.5

Hold your hands limply in front of you and then pull it back in an upward motion. Repeat 10 times. Make fists then stretch your fingers out. Repeat 10 times.

5. Spine Stand in the first position – on your hands and knees with your back straight. Arch the spine. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and repeat four times.

6. Hips Lay on your back on the floor. Take your right leg and put it over you left leg. You must feel the stretch in your bottom and hip. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat with the other hip.

Image 2.7

7. Arms and legs Sit down on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Try to stretch as far forward as possible. Try to touch your toes. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds.

Image 2.8 Image 2.9

Stand upright. Stretch your arms above your head and intertwine your fingers. Stretch your arm as far upwards as possible and hold for 20 seconds.

8. Ankles and feet This exercise warms up your feet and ankles at the same time! Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Take a towel or a scarf and place it around the ball of your foot. Now pull your foot towards your body. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and repeat with the other foot. Repeat the exercise five times with every foot.

Image 2.10

Now we are properly warmed up and ready to play some games!

This article is from: