Ideal Size
Limitless. I’ve seen this done in conference halls and on airplanes. Stick to small groups if you want to have students suggest their own favorites.
Use For
Getting the blood flowing again after a long lecture, film, whatever. It’s also good shortly after lunch when eyelids are drooping.
Time Needed
5 minutes is all it takes. Even a minute or two is helpful.
Materials Needed
None, unless you want to play some energizing music while you stretch.
Instructions
Ask your students to stand alongside their desks and make sure they have enough room to move a little. It’s time to wake things up!
- Start by shaking all over to loosen things up.
- Stand tall and stretch your hands above your head as high as you can. Look up and try to touch the ceiling. Walk on your toes to keep your balance.
- Lower on to your heels, look straight ahead, and lower your arms out to your sides at 90 degrees. Stretch them out to the sides as far as you can reach.
- With your arms stretched out, bend your wrists back so your fingers are reaching up and push out with your palms.
- Lower your arms, shake them out, and wiggle all over.
- Holding on to your desk, lunge with your right leg and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat with your left.
- Shake your right leg, then your left.
- Holding on to your desk, do circles with your right ankle, then your left.
- If your class is on the nimble side, reach behind, grab an ankle and pull it up to stretch your thigh muscles on each side. Make sure to hold on to your desk. Hold for 20 seconds.
- Keeping your feet facing forward, twist around to the right and look as far behind you as you can. Repeat on the left.
- Stretch one more time as high as you can.
- Wiggle all over.
Encourage your students to be vocal. It feels good to stretch. Making noises while stretching can be fun, and laughter, of course, is always energizing.
Debriefing
Debriefing is unnecessary.
The Ice Breaker Forum
Share your favorite, or worst!, ice breakers in the Continuing Education Forum.
