Chicks Under the Wings

With the well-known Spanish-language song "Los pollitos dicen," children peck slowly like chicks and end up snuggled under the wings of a hen played by a classmate. It brings energy down with slow movement, calm breathing and gentle contact.

How to play

1. Sitting down, sing very softly "Los pollitos dicen pío, pío, pío…" ("The little chicks say peep, peep, peep when they're hungry, when they're cold") (1 min).
2. The chicks walk crouched down, very slowly, pecking pretend corn off the floor while we keep singing (1 min).
3. On the verse about the hen looking for corn and wheat to feed and shelter them, children pair up: one is the hen and spreads their arms like wings, the other is the chick and snuggles beside them (1 min).
4. On the line about sleeping cozy under her wings, the hen covers the chick with an arm and both breathe slowly, filling up their tummies (2 min).
5. Switch roles, sing the last verse very quietly, and wake up stretching like chicks stepping into the sunshine (1 min).

Rules

• Chicks move slowly and talk quietly.
• The hen hugs gently, no squeezing.
• If a chick would rather sleep alone, they cover themselves with their own wings.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair is the hen and spreads their arms, and the chick comes close beside them.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: the chick hugs themself with their own wings, next to the hen without touching.
• Visual impairment: the hen guides the chick with a light touch on the shoulder before covering them.

Learning goals

• Slow the body down at the end of the session.
• Breathe slowly with guidance.
• Care for a partner through gentle contact.

Teacher tip

This song is known all over the Spanish-speaking world and is a staple in Mexican preschools. Lower your voice little by little; if the teacher sings softly, the group follows.

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