Bands Away: Roll, Stretch and Store

Before putting bands away, each student uses theirs for a gentle assisted stretch, then rolls it up and sorts it by resistance. It combines the cool-down with care of the equipment.

How to play

1. Each student takes their band and sits on the floor. Hamstring stretch with the band around the sole, 20 seconds per leg (2 min).
2. Shoulder stretch: hold the band with hands wide and pass it slowly overhead, without forcing (1 min).
3. Band check: look for cuts or wear and report any (1 min).
4. Roll up the band and walk it slowly to the bin for its color or resistance (2 min).

Rules

• Never stretch a band toward the face.
• Gentle stretches with no bouncing.
• Damaged bands don't go back with the others.
• Walk to the bins; no throwing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: seated shoulder and chest stretch; a partner helps carry the band.
• Students with visual impairments: bins with different textures or in a fixed, known spot.
• Students with a latex allergy: latex-free bands or a towel instead.

Learning goals

• Cool down with gentle assisted stretches.
• Look after and check class equipment.
• Help with the end-of-class organization.

Equipment for a class of 25

• resistance bands: 30
• bins: 3

Teacher tip

Keep bins separated by resistance color so cleanup is fast. The classic mistake is stuffing bands in as a ball: rolled up, they last much longer.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Middle School