Purpose: Collectively engage in a focus activity to bring the group energy to a serene environment during high-energy days. It’s simple, peaceful, and allows everyone to focus on one common goal: Creating soundscapes with our bodies.
Procedure:
The goal is to create the sound of a rainstorm using only our bodies. This requires no speaking. First, listen to this clip for inspiration.
Activity 1: Rub your hands together. (This is the wind)
Activity 2: Tap one finger on the palm of your hand. (These are the first raindrops.)
Activity 3: Tap all 4 fingers. (Many more rain drops.)
Activity 4: Full out clapping. (It’s getting more intense!)
Activity 5: Slap on the floor, or your thighs. (Thunder enters!)
After a big crescendo, repeat all the activities in reverse order as the storm dies down, until you’re rubbing hands together.
Then quietly stop, and there should be absolutely silence.
Reflections:
Reflect on whether it accomplished the goal of sounding like a rainforest. Then, answer the following questions based on your experience:
- Are there any other activities we could add to make the sounds more realistic? (Standing and stomping on your feet for thunder?)
- What other environmental sounds could be created using just our bodies?
Final Challenge:
As smaller breakout groups, you will have 10 minutes to create your own “soundscape”. Then, you will come back to share your soundscape with the rest of the class. Be creative!