Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen
When Jennifer from Music with Miss Jen shared a fun Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity idea on her Instagram page, I knew I had to share it with all of you in a blog post.
Over the last few years, our Connect-a-Stretchy Bands have been gaining in popularity. Because of this, we have had a lot of people reach out for song and activity ideas to use with them. The beauty of the Connect-a-Stretchy Band is that, it can be used just like the original Stretchy Band. Which means any Stretchy Band activity, can also be used with a Connect-a-Stretchy Band.
This train activity from Miss Jen was shared specifically for the Connect-a-Stretchy Band, but just know that most any activity can be adapted to use with the original Stretchy Band and even our other music and movement props.
Keep reading for two songs to use for a Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity and FREE train ticket printable at the end.
Song #1: New River Train (with different words!)
For the first song, Miss Jen shared "New River Train". The original was a classic folk song. Miss Jen took the melody and switched up the words to adapt it for the Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity.
A fun aspect of the train activity is that, you can use the Connect-a-Stretchy Band in its circular form and have children walk in a circle. Or, you can disconnect the band and use it in a straight line. By using it in a straight line you simulate the train concept a little bit better. You can also have fun letting students take turns being the conductor, passengers, and caboose!
As you can see in the video, Miss Jen is also incorporating the use of train tickets that color coordinate with the Connect-a-Stretchy Band. This is a great way to encourage active participation and practice a multitude of skills such as:
- Color Recognition
- Listening Skills
- Group Participation
- Social Skills
If you have a larger group and need more than the 6 colors to pass out, this is where the Connect-a-Stretchy Band really shines. With the ability to connect the bands together, you can add as many as you need to accommodate your class size. Let's say you have 18 students, if you put three Connect-a-Stretchy Bands together you will have a size large which will give you three of each color. You will then be able to pass out enough train tickets to include everyone in the train activity.
Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen Share on X
Song #2: Train Song by Charlie Hope
For this Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity, you're going to use the band in a circle and can do it either sitting down or, standing up. In "Train Song" by Charlie Hope, students will be encouraged to move in different directions, stretch the band which will really work those muscles, and work together with the rest of the group as they follow the directions in the song. A few of the skills this song will target are:
- Sense of Beat
- Directional Concepts
- Listening Skills
- Group Participation
- Rhythm
- Counting
FREE Train Ticket Printables
We want to say a big thank you to Jen for sharing the train tickets with us and allowing us to share them with all of YOU!
Click Here to Sign Up for You Free Train Ticket Printables
We hope you enjoy this Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity and would love to see it in action. If you share any videos or pictures be sure to tag us on our Instagram and Facebook pages @bearpawcreek.
Be sure to check out Miss Jen's website for more family and teacher resources, her podcast, music resource library, and so much more.
