Fading Orchestra: Slower and Softer

The whole class plays a loud body rhythm that fades away: sounds drop out and the tempo slows until there's silence. It brings heart rates and energy down after the intense part of the lesson.

How to play

1. In a circle, a body percussion rhythm with feet, thighs, chest, claps and snaps at a medium tempo (2 min).
2. Every eight counts one sound drops out, starting with the feet, as the teacher slows the tempo (3 min).
3. Only snaps remain, then hands rubbing together, softer and softer until silence (1 min).
4. Challenge: twenty seconds of total silence, then put equipment away in a line without a sound (2 min).

Rules

• Nobody speeds up: the teacher's tempo rules.
• A sound that drops out doesn't come back.
• During the silence challenge, gestures are fine, voices aren't.
• Walk to put things away; no running.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the teacher shows how many sounds are left with fingers.
• Wheelchair users: hands, chest and lap instead of feet.
• Students sensitive to noise: stand where it's quietest and join at the snapping stage.

Learning goals

• Bring energy down gradually.
• Control volume and tempo as a group.
• Shift into calm through a concrete task.

Teacher tip

It works great right after jump rope or stomp, when they're wired. If someone breaks the silence, don't scold; just restart from the snaps.

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