One tool that has captured the attention of music teachers is the use of jump bands. This innovative approach not only brings a new level of excitement to music classes but also enhances students’ understanding of rhythm and coordination. Kristin Lukow, a music teacher of over 40 years, is redefining music education by incorporating jump bands and other physical activities to make learning more engaging and dynamic.
“For me, it’s natural. Music moves you,” she explains. “I was an athlete, and I was a dancer first. To me, it’s so obvious—you have to have good rhythm if you’re going to play basketball or dance.”
The Jump Bands Phenomenon
Kristin’s students took the internet by storm when a video of their jump band routine went viral, racking up thousands of views and shares. The clip below captures the excitement and energy jump bands bring to the classroom, with students moving in perfect sync and clearly having a blast. It’s a perfect example of how blending physical activity with music can make learning more engaging and effective for students!
Jump bands are elastic bands placed around the ankles of two students (the “enders”) while a third student (the “jumper”) performs rhythmic jumping patterns over and between the bands. Set to music, this activity requires timing, coordination, and a keen sense of rhythm.
“I don’t really understand how these things explode online,” Kristin remarks modestly about the video’s popularity. “People are just asking me all these questions, and I’m just here to share. If you get some joy and some benefit out of this, awesome. But take it in your direction; you don’t have to do exactly what I’m doing.”
Kristin told us she’s a big fan of Gopher jump bands because of the elastic strap around the ankles—it stays snug and doesn’t shift around. Others with Velcro® tend to wear out over time. With Gopher’s design, she knows they’ll hold up and keep her students moving without the hassle.
“A couple of years ago, you couldn’t get jump bands anymore until [Gopher] picked them up,” Kristin notes. “Now, people can go and buy them. You sell them as a pair, so I have students whose parents will just buy a pair because they want them at home to do it.”
Benefits of Incorporating Jump Bands
- Boost Rhythmic Understanding with Students: Jump bands require students to move in time with the music, reinforcing concepts of beat, tempo, and rhythm.
- Physical Fitness: The activity promotes cardiovascular health and improves coordination and agility.
- Engagement: Students find jump bands fun and challenging, increasing their motivation and participation in class.
- Social Interaction: Working in groups encourages teamwork and communication skills.
Advice for Fellow Educators
Kristin encourages other music teachers to explore integrating physical activity into their classes.
“Share your ideas and let others find joy and benefit in them,” she advises. “Take these concepts and adapt them to your unique classroom environments. The goal isn’t to replicate exactly what I’m doing but to inspire creativity and innovation in teaching methods.”
The integration of jump bands and other physical activities into music education offers a dynamic way to engage students. By combining movement with melody, educators can enhance rhythmic understanding, promote physical fitness, and create a more inclusive and exciting learning environment!
Get Started with Jump Bands Today
- Watch the Viral Video: See jump bands in action by watching Kristin’s students here.
- Explore Equipment: Visit Gopher to find jump bands and other resources to incorporate into your music classes.
- Connect with Kristin: Find her classroom-tested products and resources on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. Also, follow her Facebook page for more ideas and inspiration!
