Tinikling is a Philippine folk dance from the Visayan Islands that traditionally uses two bamboo poles and nimble footwork inspired by the tikling bird.

Want to bring this rich cultural dance experience to your classroom but limited on storage space or have additional accessibility needs?

Fitting into an included draw string bag, these “Tinikling Inspired Rhythm Cords” come in a set of 12 with two of each color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Cords are machine washable in a mesh bag, and best hung out to air dry to keep their shape.

A set of 12 cords can accommodate 18 students at once: 2 students on each side and 1 student moving between them (as depicted below with the traditional stick materials).

*These cords are an educational adaptation inspired by Tinikling and are not intended to replace learning about traditional Tinikling performed with bamboo poles.

Tinikling Inspired Rhythm Cord Specifications:

• The cords are 1 inch wide x 7 feet long
• Made of durable, lightweight polypropylene webbing
• Each cord features a large hook-and-loop closure on each end with Velcro, allowing it to fit easily over shoes and onto a user’s ankle or calf. The cords can also be held by hand rather than being placed on one’s ankle/calf.
• Comes in a set of 12 with two of each color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Also comes with a drawstring storage bag.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bear Paw Creek’s Tinikling Cords are not made of an elastic material, which means they do not stretch and are not flexible.

Bear Paw Creek’s Tinikling Inspired Rhythm Cords in Action:

Check out this link for examples from Filipino educators, dancers, and cultural organizations on traditional tinikling.

Click the image below or click here to see Lena Leon, The Crafter Teacher, and her class using our Tinikling Inspired Rhythm Cords. In the video, you can get an idea of their size and also see how they would work being held by hand rather than the loops being placed around ankles/calves.

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Our original Stretchy Bands for creative movement come in four different sizes and are a complete circle. The Connect-a-Stretchy Band only comes in one size. However, it features a buckle system that allows you to disconnect the band and use it in a straight line in addition to the circle.

With the buckle system, you can connect additional bands together. Allowing you to create the size you need for your creative movement activities. This is ideal for those with varying class sizes or for those who like to use different-sized bands for different activities.

With the Set of 6 Connect-a-Stretchy Bands, you will be able to create all four original Stretchy Band sizes. Plus two larger sizes: an XXL (five bands connected) and an XXXL (all six bands connected). This would be a very fun way to engage a large group or classroom by allowing you all to be a part of the same circle.

With the six bands and their connecting capabilities, you would also be able to split larger groups into smaller groups. Instead of one large group on one circle, you could split everyone up into two or three groups! 

Hub 12 Connector:

Using a Hub allows you to turn your Connect-a-Stretchy Bands into fun shapes, such as: 

•  Octopus
• Sun
• Star
• Flower

Or whatever your imagination comes up with! Learn more about our Hub connectors here. Using a Hub only adds to the creativity and fun you can have with our Connect-a-Stretchy Bands!

Sizing Guide:

The sizing guide below gives the original Stretchy Band sizes along with the conversion chart for the Connect-a-Stretchy Bands. Determining how many you can fit around a band depends on the age/size of those you have in your creative movement class or session. When we say “people,” we are referring to tweens/teens and adults.

Check out our FREE resource guide to Stretchy Bands and Connect-a-Stretchy Bands. A combined 100+ song and activity ideas!

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Sensory Sacks, also known as body socks, are used for fun and therapeutic purposes. They offer a range of sensory experiences and activities for children and adults, and are a fantastic sensory regulation tool for those with sensory processing issues.

A few of the benefits are:

1. Deep Pressure and Calming: The snug fit of the sack can create a sense of security and comfort, helping to regulate emotions and behavior. As well as calm individuals with sensory sensitivities or anxiety.
2. Movement and Gross Motor Skills: Sensory Sacks can be used for a variety of movement activities like crawling, stretching, and dancing, promoting gross motor skill development and coordination. The resistance from the colorful body bag can add a level of fun and challenge to the movement.
3. Therapeutic Benefits: Sensory Sacks are often used in occupational therapy to address sensory processing challenges and improve body awareness. They can be helpful for individuals with autism, ADHD, or other sensory processing differences.
4. Imaginative Play: Children can use the sack to create their own space and engage in creative play, further enhancing the sensory experience.

Our Sensory Sack is made of a soft fabric with plenty of stretch and give, but not too much, as there is still a bit of resistance in the stretch. Encouraging those using the body sock to really push and stretch the fabric, and also allowing those needing the deep pressure to still feel the fabric snug around them.

The dimensions of the body bag when laid out flat with no stretching are: 64″ long and 20″ wide. It can be machine washed on a low heat setting. After washing, it’s best to dry the sack flat on a towel to maintain its shape.

**Please note that the color and fabric pattern of the Sensory Sack and the drawstring storage bag may vary.**

To see the Sensory Sack: A Colorful Body Bag for Creative Play in action, check out this video from Lynn Kleiner at Music Rhapsody. Lynn showcases how the sack works with her song, “Boa Constrictor”.

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Size Options:

• 5-foot Play Parachute: at 60″ in diameter with eight handles, this is the perfect size for smaller groups or classes.
• 2.5-foot Play Parachute: at 30″ in diameter with four handles, this size is ideal for one-on-one sessions or small groups of 3-4 people.

The smaller and more manageable size allows you to have all of the benefits and fun of a parachute without being overstimulating. Another benefit of the smaller sizes is that you can practice and target specific skills for individuals more easily than you could with a large parachute and a large class, while still making it a fun group activity.

A few of the benefits of parachute play are:

• Gross motor skills
• Coordination and balance
• Teamwork
• Social interaction
• Listening and following directions
• Cognitive skills
• Rhythm

For some song and activity ideas to pair with the 5-foot play parachute, check out this blog post: Best Parachute Activities and Songs. 

Cleaning Your Play Parachute:

Bear Paw Creek’s parachutes can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softeners, as these may cause discoloration and damage over time.

Air-dry the parachute or use a low heat setting in the dryer to prevent damage; never iron. Our preferred method is air drying! Our parachutes come with a drawstring storage bag; the drawstring bag can also be machine-washed following the same instructions.

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(Out of stock)

Back in 2008 I was privileged to make a bunch of tote bags for the Wisconsin Chapter of Music Therapy.  They were selling them for a fundraising.  Using one of my sister, Kathy Schumacher’s, favorite tote bag designs and adding a great embroidered pocket designed by her dear friend and mentor, Christine Henes.

Tote bag measures 12″W x 15″H x 7″L and is made out of durable nylon packcloth, lined with poly/cotton.   The handle design allows them to fall out of the way for easy access to your items.  Inside a 7×8″ pocket hangs with a nifty key loop.  Includes outer pocket with “Music Therapy Makes a Difference” embroidered on it.

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You know what would be amazing for Bear Paw Creek to offer? Storage baskets! For instruments and scarves! Natural baskets- with cloth liners, or made of soft rag, or crochet (crocheted? Hard to make past tense!):

Seems like ALL teachers could use something like this. I’m surrounded by plastic here. Yuck!!!

Small  – 8″ wide x 7″ tall

MSRP:  $20

Medium –  10″ wide x 8″ tall

MSRP:  $30

Large – 12″ wide x 9″ tall

MSRP:  $35

Set of 3 Baskets

MSRP:  $70

The post Yarn Baskets for Storage appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

Here at Bear Paw Creek, we know that everyone’s class/group requires different needs.  We love to help you extend your budget by offering a discount for your large orders. Please allow 48 hours for us to get back to you with our quote.  Call us at (417) 823-0259 or email: info@BearPawCreek.com.

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Bear Paw Creek streamers have been one of our top best selling creative movement props since the beginning. Chiffon scarves or satin ribbons flow 24″ off of either a 4 1/2″ plastic hoop or fabric wrist scrunchie.  Our dynamic movement streamers are available in rainbow or primary colors.  The sets of 6 come in a drawstring storage bag.  6 for $30/$35  and the individual are $5.50/$6.50 each.

Pick your options above:

1.  Choose your handle: hoop or fabric wrist scrunchie
2. Pick either chiffon or ribbon  As my daughter said, “The ribbons make me want to jump up and down and go crazy, the others are more calming and flowing.”  Both are beautiful, but can create a different mood.
3. Choose a 6 pack or individual
4. Add to cart

The fabric wrist scrunchie streamer was another idea from my fabulous sister, she discovered this need in group participation for individuals that are not able to grasp items.  They are wonderful as you can put them on your wrist, elbows, arms, or even ankles to have your hand free for other movement activities.

From a conversation with Miss Carole of Macaroni Soup, we released the Teacher/Leader white scrunchie. This is to delineate the teacher/leader for group activities. Another discovery with the connect-a-band is to put the dynamic movement streamers over the band and initiate a new activity. Fine motor skills are involved with  stretching the fabric wrist scrunchie over the band, then turn around and work those large muscle groups.  The hoop streamers can slide around the stretchy band. Can you get it to stop on red or green?  Great for color recognition, match up colors, or how about teach complimentary colors.

Check out this blog post for more inspiration:  Margie La Bella Review and Music for Streamers

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These bright Stretchy Bands** are made of latex or latex free tubing covered with fabric and include a hook and loop closure.  They are great for practicing numerous goal areas and group activities. Practice making shapes, rhythm, and boundary issues. Music Therapists, Music Together, and Music Educators love using this movement prop with their clients and students.

Kids also love to play group games with the stretchy bands. Includes a drawstring bag, activity sheet, and is machine washable.  Available in five different sizes.

Latex vs. Latex Free?

We have been using latex tubing since 2000.  In 2012, at the request of a customer we began offering latex free as well.  We always recommend the latex version if latex free is not a concern.  The latex has more of a bounce feeling and give than the latex free.  Since latex is a main component of rubber, that makes sense.  Manufacturer recommends latex over latex free for durability and experience.

Small is 6 feet in circumference ~ 2-5 people or 6 children.    Latex – $41      Latex Free – $49

Medium is 12 feet in circumference ~ 5-8 people or 10 children.  Latex – $59      Latex Free – $69

Large is 18 feet in circumference ~ 8-11 people or 22 children.  Latex – $76      Latex Free – $86

XL  is 24 feet in circumference ~ 11-14 people or 28 children.   Latex – $93      Latex Free – $103

Connect-a-Stretchy Band

Connect-a- Stretchy Bands** will include a storage bag that will fit the total ordered.  If you would like more than one bag, please let us know in the comments section when you order.

You can use it straight for a walking rope for preschool or groups, in a train songs, parades, etc. Buckle it together to make a circle and use for circle dances, movement, boundary issues, teaching opposites, colors, and so much more!  Check out this post written on a music movement activity suggested by a customer, making apple pie.

Connect-a-Stretchy Bands are 6 feet long and each section is great for 2-5 adults or 10 children.

Latex – $30  (Latex free currently unavailable in the connect-a-stretchy bands.)

1  (2-5 people or 6 children)

2 connected = Medium Stretchy Band   (5-8 adults or 10 children)

3 connected = Large Stretchy Band  (8-11 adults or 22 children)

4 connected = XL Stretchy Band  (11-14 adults or 28 children)

Keep connecting them for larger groups or divide up your group around individual circles!

NEW 2018  Primary Set of 6 Connect-a-Stretchy Bands with Hub $196 and without Hub $180

The Hub Connector we have created turns your connect-a-bands into an armed octopus, sun, star, or where your imagination leads. You can also connect the bands back into the hub to create flowers or clovers.

Whether you are in a classroom, church, park or at a large community event, the connections are endless!

**Disclaimer: The Stretchy Band/Connect-a-Stretchy Band are not toys. They are designed to be used under adult supervision at all times.

What can you do with the stretchy band?  Check out this playlist.

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