Shakers are wonderful props to get people moving who might otherwise be anxious about moving. When a person shakes the shaker, they can focus outward not just about moving their body. Moving and playing the shaker activates the Do/Deal system and quiet down the Me System (aka the Default System). [Network Model, Chamberlin]. This can help anxious, shy or self-conscious students focus outside themselves and enjoy the moment. By having everyone standing and the Leader in the center of the circle, this game generally is more energetic, more full bodied.
Get students moving
Develop students ability to mirror
Have students have a first hand experience of creating movement and music.
Affirm students innate movement and musicality.
Connect moving with rhythm.
Enhance embodiment.
Help anxious and shy students experience feeling secure.
Movement warmup.
Shadowing.
Leader moves to the center of the circle.
"Do what I do".
Get the whole body involved.
Think of the Shaker as a giant paint brush.
Shake over the head with arms up high.
Let movements be big and rhythmic.
Hop up and down.
Get your shoulders, knees and hips involved.
Shake on one side of the body then the other.
Turn in a circle.
Think of the Shaker as a giant paint brush.
Shake over the head with arms up high.
Encourage taking up space.
Safety through mirroring.
Novelty by finding different ways to play.
Salience Network vs. Do/Deal Network. Eric Chamberlin
Who likes to dance? Why?
Who doesn't like to dance? Why?
Celebration Dance
Someone can move/dance in the center. Group plays drum or shaker to the way they move.
Put on recorded music and shake to it.
Stop and Go