To get the students attention and add a little drama to this game, use silence. Without saying a word, stand in the center of the circle, pull deflated balloon out of your pocket. Blow it up. Tie the end up into a knot. Give the instructions for the game without words. [] see video.

Level 1 - Toss the Balloon and Catch the Balloon

(with or without words), "I will throw this balloon in the air. While it is in the air, play a rumble. As soon as I catch it, Stop.

Call 'Sticks Ready'.

Do several balloon tosses, some higher some lower.

Call a celebration rhythm. (if possible, without words.)

Level 2 - Fake the Toss
Ask, "if I go like this," (fake toss the balloon but don�t let it leave your hand),

"Should you rumble?". Make sure students are clear on the expectations.

Alternate high tosses, low tosses, and fakes.

Level 3 - Foot Steps
"When my foot touches the ground, play One note."
"Who can show me watch one notes sounds like?"
Play a rumble (about 5 or 6 hits).  "Was that one note?"

Have assistant play the note by herself ( She plays the beat too early.)   "Did she play the note on time?"  (No)

Have assistant play the note by herself ( She plays the beat too early.) . "Did she play the note on time?"  (No)

"Can someone show me playing the note on time?"  Select individual students to try.

Call 'Sticks Asleep'.

Reinforce and anchor the group members ability and willingness to stop at the stop signal.

Call the Celebration Rhythm

Level 4 - Have an other adult or assistant be the next balloon conductor. It is best if this adult is well regulated.

Glitches:

• Student(s) continuing to play while group has stopped.


1. Acknowledge and Energize a student who did stop on time. "Wow its really cool how you were able to stop when I caught the ball even when some students were not able to. How did you do that?" Other students will usually clammer in and say "Hey I stopped too." "Great if you stopped on time raise your hand. Give your self a pat on the back." Let's do it again. If a student fail to stop this time- do a loose your instrument reset".


2. Take Over the Problem Have Dragon make the mistakes and ask the class members to comment on his actions.


• Student is 'conducting' and throws and chases balloon out of center of the circle.


1. Jump in to the center. Demonstrate, "Here throw the ball just this high so you can catch it and control it. Then you can gradually learn to throw it higher".


2. Have the whole group do a Toss game. Toss one bean bag. Two hands. One Hand.


• Students besides the 'leader' grab at or swat at the balloon.


1. Take over the Problem and have Dragon Puppet do the behavior. Discuss with the class


2. If after discussion of this behavior a student still does it, give them a Reset.