This week I am pressing pause on Hunter and his remote control to bring you one of my favorite movement songs I have written. I originally wrote "Stretch Out My Body" when a physical therapist and I were co-treating an individual student last semester. But I just recently rounded out the song and have begun using it with a lot of my groups.
The students have responded very well and love to come up with different ways to stretch out their bodies. In addition to the ones in the recording we have shrugged our shoulders, twisted in our chairs, lunged to a side, and circled our arms. After each stretch or movement, there is an opportunity for a deep inhale and exhale. I felt this breathe was an important addition for students to replenish their bodies with oxygen between each movement.
At times I have made the last line, "Now I feel loose and relaxed", into a fill in the blank exercise for students to describe how their bodies feel. Even if the kids cannot put into words how they may feel differently afterwards, it is very evident to me. Most of the time they are much calmer and more attentive at the end of the song.
Now take a listen and move along to "Stretch Out My Body". Make sure to leave a comment below because I would love to hear how your body feels afterwards!
Calming! Helping me fall asleep :)
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