Row-by-Row Canon Warm-Up
The class learns a warm-up routine of four 8-count blocks and then performs it as a canon: each row starts one block after the row in front. It warms up the whole body and builds rhythm, coordination and concentration.
How to play
- Set up 4 rows of 6 students facing the teacher, 2 m (about 6 ft) between rows and an arm's length apart side to side. Play music at about 120 beats per minute (30 s).
- Teach the 4 blocks of 8 counts: A, march in place with arm circles; B, step-touch side to side with a clap; C, squat with arms forward then rise onto the toes; D, alternating reverse lunges with a trunk twist (3 min).
- Run the full routine together twice, counting five, six, seven, eight out loud before starting (1 min).
- Canon: row 1 starts; row 2 comes in when row 1 starts block B, row 3 on block C and row 4 on block D. Repeat the routine 3 times without stopping (2 min).
- Reverse canon: row 4 starts and row 1 goes last. Then rows swap places so everyone gets a turn in front (1 min).
- Finish in unison: all 4 rows end together with an 8-count block invented by the front row (30 s).
Rules
- Each row keeps its own count and doesn't copy the others.
- If a row gets lost, it waits for the start of the next block to come back in.
- Safety: take short reverse lunges and don't step into the row behind you.
Variations
Easier
Use only two rows and two blocks, with the teacher counting out loud through the whole canon.
Standard
Four 8-count blocks in a four-row canon, with a new row entering every eight counts.
Harder
Rows enter every four counts instead of eight, which takes much more concentration.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a seated version on the same counts: arm circles, claps, leg extensions and trunk twists.
- Autism or shy students: place the student in row 1, which never waits to come in, or on the end next to a reliable classmate.
- Higher skill: the student serves as row captain and counts the row's entry out loud.
Learning goals
- Memorize and perform a 32-count warm-up routine.
- Keep your own rhythm while other groups do different moves.
- Warm up the main joints and muscle groups in an organized way.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
Teacher tip
Place a student with a strong sense of rhythm in the middle of each row as an anchor. If the canon falls apart, go back to unison for a moment and try again; it usually clicks on the second attempt.
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