Described Stretches: The Guide Explains Without Showing

Partner cool-down where one person leads stretches using words only, without showing the movement, as is done with blind athletes or in accessible classes. It's a real stretch and trains precise verbal description.

How to play

1. Pairs: one gets a card with three stretches; the other closes their eyes or turns around (1 min).
2. The guide describes the first stretch with starting position, movement and expected sensation; the partner does it and holds 30 s (2 min).
3. Second and third stretches; the guide may only correct with words (2 min).
4. Switch roles with another card (2 min).
5. Each pair writes down one word or phrase that worked really well (1 min).

Rules

• Stretch without bouncing or pain.
• The guide doesn't touch or demonstrate; they only describe.
• If the partner doesn't get it, the guide changes the words instead of saying it louder.
• Use a mat or clean floor for floor stretches.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind student: evaluates the descriptions of several pairs.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: the guide writes instructions on the card or speaks face to face for lip-reading.
• Student with a knee injury: cards with upper-body stretches.

Learning goals

• Stretch the muscle groups worked in the lesson.
• Describe movements with verbal precision.
• Learn an accessible communication strategy.

Equipment for a class of 25

• stretch cards: 15
• exercise mats: 30

Teacher tip

Prep cards with stretches for the muscle groups used most in the lesson. The usual mistake is saying "like this" or "like me": no word that requires looking is allowed.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for High School