Rock-Paper-Scissors

by Korekara Taiko

You will play the game, Rock-Paper-Scissors (in Japanese it’s called, JAN-KEN-PON), to connect your brain to your body.

Learning Target

● I can experience how bilateral coordination (using both sides of your body at the same time) can get my mind and body to work together.

Materials

● Your body
● Pen and paper for reflection

Instructions

1. Let’s start by practicing the hand gestures – Rock, Paper, Scissors. Practice with both hands.

2. In this brain exercise, the ‘losing’ gesture goes on your chest, while the ‘winning’ gesture is outstretched in front of you. The first combination is Rock & Paper. Join Toru by putting rock on your chest with one hand, and paper outstretched in front of you with your other hand. Now switch positions. Try repeating this 8 times.

3. Now try the next combination, Paper & Scissors. Try switching your hand positions at least 8 times.

4. Final combination is Scissors & Rock. Keep switching those hand positions!

Reflection

Write or Draw in your journal or sketchbook
● Which hand combination was the most challenging? Which one was the easiest? Write down your thoughts.
● Can you think of other examples where you connect your brain to your body in your everyday life?
● What happens if you do this exercise at different tempos or durations? Try it out!

Extra

● Ready for the next level? Check out Toru’s Challenge Video to test your rock-paper-scissors body coordination.: https://vimeo.com/500274948/3b3f6f6360
● Another famous brain exercise is to rub your tummy while patting your head. There’s many more examples! Search on the internet for ‘brain body teasers’ or ‘bilateral coordination exercises’, and give them a try.
● Learn about the cultural history of this hand game. Search on the internet for ‘JAN-KEN-PON.’
● Try designing your own brain-body exercise, and challenge someone in your house or even your friends at an online gathering to do it.