Cue-Word Stretch Story
The teacher tells a calm story and, every time one of the agreed cue words comes up, students do the matching stretch and hold it until the next sentence. It trains careful listening and stretches the body in a playful way while energy levels come down.
How to play
- Spread students out, standing or sitting, each with their own space (30 sec).
- Introduce 4 cue words and their stretches: "sun" (arms up, on tiptoe), "tree" (standing on one leg, palms together), "cat" (on hands and knees, rounding the back) and "river" (sitting, legs straight, reaching toward the feet) (1 min).
- Practice each stretch once, holding it for 10 seconds (1 min).
- The teacher slowly tells a made-up story of about 4 minutes in which the cue words appear several times; when they hear one, students do the stretch and hold it while the teacher finishes the sentence (4 min).
- End of the story: the characters go to sleep and all students lie on their backs with eyes closed for 1 minute, breathing slowly (1 min).
Rules
- Listen quietly so you don't miss any cue words.
- Hold each stretch without bouncing until the next cue.
- Stay in your own spot without moving around or touching anyone.
- For "tree," you can put a hand on the wall or the floor if needed.
Variations
Easier
Use only 2 cue words and exaggerate your voice when you say them.
Standard
Use 4 cue words spread through a story of about 4 minutes.
Harder
Add similar-sounding trick words ("sunny," "catch") that students must not react to.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: each word has a seated version (for example, "cat" by rounding the back in a chair).
- Hearing impairment: the teacher holds up a picture card for each cue word while saying it.
- Attention difficulties or autism: seat the student near the teacher and use a story with a repetitive structure.
Learning goals
- Listen carefully and respond to cue words.
- Perform basic stretches while holding the position.
- Enjoy a relaxing moment at the end of class.
Teacher tip
Write the story before class with the cue words underlined so you don't forget them. You can invite students to write next week's story.
PatioLab has "Cue-Word Stretch Story" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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