Suggestions for Using the Octaband™
Use music with a lively but moderate beat  to provide
structure without being over stimulating.
Begin with participants, including group leader, seated in a circle,
with each person holding the band in 1 or 2 hands.
- Make small bouncy movements in time to the music.
- Coordinate breath with movement as everyone raises arms up on the in-breath, bringing arms down on the out-breath.
- Shake arms to release tension.
- Swing arms from side to side.
- Cross both arms in front and then out to the sides.
- Bring one arm up while bringing the other arm down.
- Lift arm up diagonally across the body, and bring it down. Repeat with the other arm.
- Pull on the arms, bending your elbows, and release, extending your arms.
- Lean your body toward the center, as you grasp the arm, one fist in front of the other.
- With a small bean bag on the center, try to keep the bean bag on top while bouncing the Octaband™ lightly.
Variations:
Once the group is cohesive, and you have a good sense of control,
you can have participants stand:
- In a circle, walk to the music clockwise.
- Reverse directions, walking to the music counterclockwise.
- Change the pace of walking.
- Stand still, and repeat the movements done while seated.
- Vary the pace of moving together up and down, sometimes suddenly,
sometimes slowly.
- If participants are following instructions and working together
as a group, have them move freely while still holding on.
- Experiment with following the impulse of individual group members.
Octabands™ Can Be Used for:
- Dance/movement therapy
- Creative and expressive arts therapy
- Recreation/activity therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dance classes
- Early childhood gymnastics classes
- Adaptive physical education
- Special education
- Early childhood education
- Birthday parties
- Team building
- Intergenerational programs
- Ice breakers
- Family therapy
Click here to learn more about consultation and other workshops and
seminars
Benefits of The Octaband™:
- Can be used by people of all ages and abilities
- Increases self-expression
- Builds awareness of others
- Encourages cooperation
- Magnifies recognition of one's effect on others
- Promotes group cohesion
- Provides focus for attention
- Heightens spontaneity
- Enhances liveliness
- Invites a playful environment
- Reinforces resilience
- Stimulates imagination
- Increases alertness
- Furthers individuality and creativity
Click here to
read testimonials from professionals in various fields who have
used the Octaband™
|
