Stretch and Respond Exit Questions

The teacher asks true-or-false questions about the lesson and students answer by moving into one of two stretches, holding it for about 20 seconds. It combines static stretching of the muscles used with a quick check for understanding.

How to play

1. Each student sets up on a mat, spread out from others (1 min).
2. Explain the code: true = seated hamstring stretch with legs together; false = side-lying quad stretch.
3. Ask the first question (for example, "A warm-up is only for getting sweaty"); everyone shows their answer at the same time and holds it 20 seconds (0.5 min).
4. Give the right answer with a short explanation while they keep stretching; with each new question, switch the stretch pair (calf or glute, chest or shoulder) (4 min).
5. Ask six to eight questions about technique, rules, safety or the day's content.
6. Final open question: each student picks the stretch they need most and holds it for 30 seconds, breathing slowly (1.5 min).

Rules

• Hold every stretch with no bouncing and never to the point of pain.
• Everyone answers at once on your signal so nobody copies.
• Wrong answers aren't penalized; the explanation fixes them.
• Stretch both sides whenever a stretch is one-sided.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use trunk, neck and arm stretches that can be done in a chair or wheelchair.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: show each question written on a whiteboard or large card.
• Students with limited flexibility: allow bent knees or a towel to reach the feet.

Learning goals

• Perform static stretches correctly and safely.
• Check understanding of the lesson content.
• Connect each stretch with the muscle group it targets.

Equipment for a class of 25

• yoga mats: 25

Teacher tip

Write the questions ahead of time and mix true and false. It's a great moment to clear up misconceptions about warming up or injury prevention.

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