Perform Rhythmic Gymnastics

What can we use instead of the ribbon, hoop, ball, mat, or water bottle if we don't have them?

Use a long scarf or streamer instead of the ribbon, a hula hoop or taped floor circle instead of a hoop, a soft stuffed toy or small rubber ball instead of a ball, a bath towel or carpet square as a mat, and a cup or small jug of water instead of a water bottle.

I'm having trouble keeping balance or controlling the apparatus—what should we try?

Practice the single-foot stands and the walking-with-apparatus steps next to a chair or wall for support, shorten holds to 10 seconds, focus on a fixed spot while balancing, and slow down your arm movements during the one-minute basic move practice with the ribbon, hoop, or ball.

How can I adapt this routine for younger or older children?

For preschoolers reduce marching and balance times to 30 seconds, use a scarf and simpler moves and a one-minute routine of two moves, while older children can increase march and move durations, add turns or jumps during the two-minute three-move routine, and practice more advanced hoop/ball tricks.

How can we make the routine more fun or challenging after finishing the basic activity?

Add music and a costume piece, time or score each move to create a mini-competition, combine two apparatus (like ribbon then ball) in the three-move routine, film the routine and share the photo or video on DIY.org as the final step.