How to Play the Stretching Game "Rock-n-Roll"

The basic game of "Rock-n-Roll" is a suitable warm-up for a wide range of ages. Preschool children will enjoy the silly, simple nature of the game. The premise of a repetitive motion is easy for them to grasp, and helps develop fundamental coordination. It's fun to teach to kids, but the benefits of this stretch apply to even adults. Here's how to lead the game with kids who have never played before.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open area free from objects
• Soft flooring or carpet
• Comfortable clothing

1. Sit down in an open and soft area. A group of children should sit in a loosely spaced out circle, allowing everyone to see the leader.

2. Announce in a happy tone that everyone's going to play "Rock-n-Roll."

3. Demonstrate the skill. With your knees together and pulled into your chest, wrap your arms around your legs and grasp your hands together. Anywhere between the ankles and knees is acceptable. The position should be determined by comfort.

4. With your torso rounded forward and head tilted down, slowly roll backwards. When your upper back reaches the floor, let your momentum shift forward again, and use your stomach muscles to pull yourself upright. Stay in the curled position throughout. Repeat the demonstration a few times if needed.

5. Encourage the children to try. Help place the children in the proper position. You can guide the child through the motion by placing one of your hands on his upper back and the other on his shins. This will help introduce the feeling to a hesitant child.

6. Allow some time for everyone to have fun trying.

7. Congratulate those who complete the motion. This feels like a real accomplishment to a child still learning how to use her body's mechanics.

Tips & Warnings

• A great way to introduce this motion to toddlers is to have the child sit in the lap of an able parent. The parent has the child sit in her lap leaning against her chest, securely wraps the child in her arms and gently rocks back and up again. This creates the sensation of the movement for the child.
• If you are with a group of very young children, it is not uncommon for some to have difficulty completing the skill. Falling down is part of the fun, and should be laughed at and demonstrated along with celebrating the successful attempts. But remember to allow for adequate space for tipping over between children.