The Classroom Wave: Mobility That Travels Down the Rows

Like a stadium wave, a joint movement travels from row to row, and each row starts it just as the previous one finishes. It mobilizes every major joint and works on group timing.

How to play

1. Seated, the first row does a shoulder roll and passes it back like a wave (2 min).
2. Standing wave: arm raise, trunk rotation and hip hinge; each row starts when it sees the row ahead finish (2 min).
3. Return wave: the movement starts in the back row and travels to the board, faster each time (2 min).
4. Two waves at once, arms from the front and legs from the back, crossing in the middle (2 min).

Rules

• Wait to see the row ahead move; no jumping the gun.
• Arms up carefully, without hitting lights or your neighbor.
• Big but controlled movements, no jerking.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: the neighbor taps their shoulder when it's their turn.
• Limited leg mobility: do the arm and trunk part seated.
• Shoulder injury: swap the arm raise for wrist circles.

Learning goals

• Mobilize the main joints.
• Coordinate your movement with the group's.
• Pay visual attention to classmates.

Teacher tip

Time the wave and announce it: trying to beat the time hooks them. If the rows aren't straight, set the order by pointing at desks before you start.

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