Trick Tree: Post Your Progress and Stretch

Each student places a sticky note on a drawn tree to show their juggling level and writes their next goal, while stretching wrists, forearms and shoulders. It combines a cool-down with self-assessment.

How to play

1. In a circle, wrist and forearm stretches: palm out and palm in, 15 seconds each (2 min).
2. Everyone writes their level on a note (roots: one ball; trunk: two; branches: three-ball cascade; treetop: tricks) and their goal for next lesson (2 min).
3. In a line toward the tree, hold a shoulder stretch with the person in front, and post the note when you get there (2 min).
4. The teacher reads out how the tree looks, with no names, while everyone stretches neck and calves (2 min).

Rules

• Notes have no names, just an initial if you want.
• Stretches never hurt: mild tension only.
• No comments about other people's levels.
• Wait in line without pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who struggle with writing: draw or dictate the goal to a partner.
• Limited mobility: hang the tree at a height reachable from a wheelchair.
• Wrist injury: replace those stretches with gentle neck and shoulder mobility.

Learning goals

• Self-assess juggling progress.
• Set a realistic goal for next lesson.
• Stretch the most worked areas.

Equipment for a class of 25

• butcher paper: 1
• sticky notes: 30
• markers: 6

Teacher tip

Leave the tree up for the whole unit: seeing the notes climb is very motivating. If you have no butcher paper, tape four poster boards together.

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