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#1-20262

Introduction

Co-Oper Blanket's strength and elasticity promotes group cohesion, trust, individual balance and risk taking for up to 15 children at a time. Unfold Co- Oper Blanket. Holding the top edge, have children stand in the blanket at equal intervals, then walk backwards into fabric so that it stretches across each individual's back. Instruct children to begin walking backwards until they lean and "float" into the support of the blanket.

Co-Oper Blanket is machine washable; cold water, gentle cycle.

Warm-Ups

Holding the top edge, individuals extend arms overhead, bend knees and begin warming up the spine by pressing the lower back into fabric and curling upper back and arms forward. Roll through the spine while pressing into the support of the blanket and extend to full height as if cresting a wave, arms opened wide.

Maintain full body contact with the blanket. Twist right to left while keeping either arms or feet stable. Have children explore ways of "churning up the waters." Return to the joint circling action from the waist while holding the top edge with extended arms.

Children sit down on the blanket with half the fabric still supporting the back, the other half under legs and feet. Reach down and grab the bottom edge with both hands pulling the fabric up and over the feet. Begin by pressing toes and feet into elasticity, stretching and flexing foot and calf muscles. Using rhythmic music, instruct children to talk with their feet. Extend whole leg up while bending the other leg. Stretch hamstrings, one leg at a time. Encourage group synchrony and co- operation. Roll onto back and stretch both legs simultaneously.

Participants sit and relax their spines into the support of the blanket. Slowly roll head right and left. Bring top edges over the back of the head and maintaining resistance, press head back and forward, for strength and stretch. Playful improvisation occurs while wrapping the blanket over the head and/ or face. Have children make up names for funny shapes or characters that emerge.

ACTIVITIES

The Scrambler
Standing inside the Co- Oper Blanket, children run to different places in the circle rebounding off the blanket without touching each other. With younger children, two adults should stand inside at opposite ends as stabilizers.

Skydiving
Everyone stands inside the blanket facing outwards. While holding the top edge, arms outspread, they then lean out to an equal balancing point, with mutual support distributed equally around the circle.

The Dip
Participants stand in the original set- up position and take turns one or two at a time leaning back as far as they can without touching the floor while the others support.

Peas in a Pod
Sitting inside the Co- Oper Blanket children create an oblong, tent- like shape. On the count of three and by secret prearrangement, everyone but one child presses their head out of the pod. Quickly, those watching must determine which child is missing.

Caterpillar/ Snake/ Dinosaur
Six to eight children kneel on top of half the Co- Oper Blanket with the other half covering their heads. Using both hands to close the side edges, children can locamote and create a creature of their choice, the front child being the head, the last in line being the tail.

Flower
The group sits crouched inside the blanket with the top edge pulled over their heads. Instruct children to slowly unfold backwards together to a supine position. Reverse direction. For a variation, instruct the group to open sequentially to create a wave- like effect.