Carrying Sleepy Teddy to Bed

Each child carries their sleeping teddy on an open palm, tiptoeing very slowly so it doesn't wake up, all the way to its bed (a cushion). It builds careful carrying, slow movement control and calm.

How to play

1. Each child picks up a stuffed animal and rocks it in their arms while the music plays (1 min).
2. Place teddy on an open palm and tiptoe very slowly around the room (2 min).
3. Carry teddy to its cushion bed and set it down so gently it doesn't even notice (1 min).
4. Lie down next to teddy, cover it with a hand and breathe slowly so it stays asleep (1 min).
5. Give it a good-night kiss and get up without making a sound (1 min).

Rules

• Teddy rides on the palm without squeezing.
• Tiptoe quietly.
• Put teddy to bed very carefully.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: carry teddy on the lap while a classmate slowly pushes the wheelchair.
• Autism: the child can bring their own toy from home and keep its bed in the same spot every time.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the teacher walks in front very slowly as a model, no explanation needed.

Learning goals

• Carry an object gently and carefully.
• Control slow movement.
• Relax and calm down.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Stuffed animals: 25
• Cushions: 25
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Dim the lights if you can and whisper: the atmosphere does half the work. Set out the cushions beforehand, away from where kids pick up the stuffed animals.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary