Rolling Canon Mobility Rows
Students stand in rows, and each row starts the same mobility block eight counts after the row in front, creating a wave that rolls through the class. It works joint mobility from head to toe, counting music in eights and moving in sync with a group.
How to play
- Set up 4 rows of 6 students facing front, an arm's length apart side to side and about 6 feet between rows. Play a medium-tempo song.
- The teacher teaches a block of four 8-count moves: gentle head circles, shoulder rolls, hip circles and knee lifts. Everyone practices together for 1 minute.
- Canon: row 1 starts the block; row 2 starts when row 1 finishes the first move, and so on. Repeat the block twice (2 minutes).
- Reverse the order so the back row starts. The first student in each row counts the 5, 6, 7, 8 lead-in out loud.
- Each row has 1 minute to create a new 8-count move for ankles or wrists and add it to the block.
- Final 2-minute block in canon with the rows' four moves, switching to dynamic versions: lunges with a twist and leg swings.
Rules
- Neck moves are slow, and no one throws the head back sharply.
- Each row waits for its entrance without jumping in early; mistakes get fixed on the next round.
- Keep your spacing so no one gets hit by swinging arms.
- Whoever counts the lead-in does it loudly and clearly.
Variations
Easier
Use only 2 rows with one move of delay between them.
Standard
Use 4 rows that come in every 8 counts with a four-move block.
Harder
Rows come in every 4 counts, and the block is also performed in reverse order.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility do the seated version of each move using arms, trunk and ankles.
- For students with autism or shy students, place them second in the row so they have a model in front and don't have to count the lead-in.
- Students with less range make smaller circles, while more advanced students add range and travel.
Learning goals
- Mobilize the major joints progressively.
- Count musical phrases in eights and come in at the right moment.
- Coordinate with a group to create a canon effect.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music (speaker): 1
Teacher tip
Record 10 seconds from the front and show it to the class; seeing the wave is very motivating. Choose songs with a clear beat between 100 and 120 beats per minute.
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