Write Your Name with Every Joint
A joint mobility warm-up where students write their name and other words in the air with different body parts, from the ankles up to the neck. It moves every joint in several directions in a fun way and helps students learn their own range of motion.
How to play
- Students stand spread out, two arm-lengths apart. Explain that they will write big, slow letters in the air using a body part like a marker (30 s).
- Ankles: standing on one leg, holding a partner's shoulder if needed, write your name with your right toes, then with your left (1 min 30 s).
- Knees and hips: with one knee lifted, write the name of a sport; then draw your first initial big by moving your hips like a paintbrush (1 min 30 s).
- Trunk and shoulders: arms straight and hands together, write your town's name in huge letters that force you to twist and bend the trunk (1 min).
- Wrists, elbows and neck: write the numbers 1 to 5 with each wrist, your last name with an elbow and the vowels with your nose, very slowly (1 min).
- In pairs: one partner writes a secret word with any joint and the other tries to guess it; three words each (1 min 30 s).
Rules
- Move slowly through a big range, with no bouncing or jerking.
- Neck letters stay small and very slow.
- Safety: during one-leg work, rest a hand on a partner or the wall if you lose balance.
Variations
Easier
Write only the vowels with each joint, standing next to the wall for support.
Standard
Name, sport, town and numbers written with the ankles, knees, hips, trunk, arms and neck.
Harder
Write with two joints at once, such as your name with one foot and your initial with the opposite hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student works seated, writing with hands, elbows, shoulders and head, and with the legs only in small letters if possible.
- Visual impairment: a partner guides the student's hand through the first letters so they can feel the range being asked for.
- Autism or shy students: the student may write numbers instead of their name and play the guessing game with the teacher.
Learning goals
- Move the major joints through several directions with control.
- Learn the range of motion of each joint.
- Start the lesson in a gradual, safe way.
Teacher tip
Keep insisting on big letters, because small ones barely move the joint. It works well before dance or as the first part of a more intense warm-up.
PatioLab has "Write Your Name with Every Joint" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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