Tin Soldiers and Rag Dolls

To marching music, students move like stiff tin soldiers; to soft music, they become floppy rag dolls. Students explore the contrast between muscle tension and relaxation and match their movement to the mood of the music.

How to play

1. Introduce the two characters: the soldier's whole body is stiff and moves in sharp steps; the rag doll is floppy and sways (2 min).
2. With marching music, everyone parades like soldiers around the space, making sharp right-angle turns at corners (3 min).
3. Switch to soft music: students turn into rag dolls that sink slowly to the floor and rise as if pulled up by a string (3 min).
4. Swap the two songs without warning every 20 to 30 seconds so the body change is instant (4 min).
5. In pairs, one is the soldier and one the rag doll; the soldier gently 'positions' the doll's arms, then switch (3 min).

Rules

• Rag doll drops are slow, knees first, never a flop.
• Soldiers march without bumping: if someone is in front, turn.
• With a partner, move their arms gently and stop if they say stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student tenses and relaxes arms, shoulders and face from the chair and skips the floor drops.
• Hearing impairment: hold up a soldier or rag doll picture card at each switch.
• Fitness level: a tired student can stay as a rag doll lying down for a while as others march.

Learning goals

• Tell the difference between muscle tension and relaxation.
• Match movement to the mood of the music.
• Lower the body to the floor safely and with control.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music
• speakers: 1

Teacher tip

Model the slow drop yourself before starting; the usual mistake is flopping down. Very contrasting songs make the switch much easier.

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