The Big Elastic Hug

A very long elastic band tied in a loop goes around a group of kids at waist height; leaning into it, they stretch it and make shapes together to the music. Kids practice creative movement and balance and feel how the group moves together.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the big elastic and how to wear it: around the waist or hips, never higher (2 min).
2. In groups of six, we step inside the elastic and lean back slowly until it hugs us (2 min).
3. With music, we step in and out: the elastic shrinks and stretches like a breathing balloon (3 min).
4. The teacher calls a shape (star, flower, house) and the group makes it by stretching the elastic with arms and legs (3 min).
5. We all sit inside the elastic and lower it to our feet, very slowly (2 min).

Rules

• The elastic stays at my waist or hips, never at my neck or head.
• I lean back slowly and never let go suddenly.
• If someone says "Stop!", we all stop.
• To take it off, I push it down to my feet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the elastic goes around the back of the wheelchair and the group follows the child's pace.
• Visual impairment: the child feels changes through the elastic; a classmate describes the shape they're making.
• Autism: the child may prefer to hold the elastic with their hands from outside the circle instead of being inside.

Learning goals

• Adjust their strength to keep the elastic taut without yanking.
• Create shapes with their body together with others.
• Move to the rhythm of music.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long elastic band: 4
• Music

Teacher tip

Wide sewing elastic, 20-25 ft long and tied in a loop, works well. Check the knot before you start and don't allow letting go suddenly: it snaps back. Watch that no one slides it up to their chest or neck.

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