Elastic Shapes

This activity experiments with shapes using an elastic band that kids move with their entire body.

Elastic Shapes

Materials

  • A continuous circular elastic band
Directions

  1. To make the elastic band, measure yourself from head to toe and double it.
  2. Cut this length from a half-inch or three-fourths-inch (1-2 centimeters) elastic and securely knot the two ends together.
  3. Now you are ready to begin.
Explore shapes with the elastic while you are standing, sitting, lying, kneeling, and moving around the room. Also try using one arm and one leg, two legs and an elbow, your head and feet. Stretch the elastic tight or make it loose; twist and turn; bend and straighten; make fast movements and slow, gradual movements. Ask a friend to join you and create some interesting duets with one elastic band or two.

Note: Elastic can be purchased from department stores, fabric stores, and from tailors or seamstresses.