Suggestions for Using the Octaband™
Click on the links below to view our Activity Guide with
suggestions for the use of the Octaband™Octaband® Activity Guide English (pdf)
Octaband® Activity Guide Spanish (pdf)
This video was created by Music Together LLC. Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement curriculum for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them.
Originally offered to the public in 1987, Music Together pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally-appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement. Music Together classes are now offered in more than 2,000 communities in over 30 countries around the world. For more information about Music Together family classes, the preschool program, or teacher trainings visit: www.musictogether.com.
Use music with a lively but moderate beat. 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 legs, bending your elbows, and release, extending your arms.
- Lean your body toward the center, as you grasp the leg, 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™
Click here to read Donna's blog "Musings of a Dance / Movement Therapist"
