Student-Led Stretching Stations
Five students act as coaches at stretching stations with a technique card, while the rest rotate in groups and get feedback from them. Students work on flexibility and on guiding classmates safely.
How to play
- Pick five student coaches and give each one a card with the stretch, the key coaching cue and the most common mistake (1 min).
- Coaches rehearse a 20-second explanation while everyone else splits into five groups, one per cone (1 min).
- Each group rotates through all five stations, 1 min 20 s at each: the coach explains, demonstrates and corrects every classmate (7 min).
- Wrap-up: each coach shares which correction they had to repeat most and why (1 min).
Rules
- Hold stretches without bouncing and without pain, just a comfortable pull.
- Coaches correct with words or by pointing; they only touch if the classmate says it's OK.
- Groups walk to the next station on the teacher's signal.
- If a stretch feels bad, the coach offers the gentler version on the card.
Variations
Easier
Cards include a photo of the stretch, and the coach only demonstrates and points out the mistake.
Standard
Five stations with a coach who explains, demonstrates and corrects.
Harder
The coach offers each classmate an easier and a harder version based on their level.
Adaptations
- Hearing impairment: the coach faces the student, keeps their mouth visible and uses the card's picture.
- Limited mobility: every station has a seated chair version that the coach also knows.
- Autism: let the student know a class ahead if they will be a coach, or keep them rotating with the same group.
Learning goals
- Perform static stretches with correct technique.
- Explain and correct classmates using precise coaching cues.
- Take responsible leadership of part of the class.
Equipment for a class of 25
- task cards: 5
- cones: 5
- yoga mats: 25
Teacher tip
Rotate the coach role across classes so everyone gets a turn. Laminated cards will last the whole school year.
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