«Cinco Lobitos»: The Sleepy Hand

With the traditional Spanish lullaby «Cinco lobitos» («five little wolf cubs»), first sitting and then lying down, we twist our hand, count our fingers and gently wash and comb ourselves until the mother wolf falls asleep. It works on fine motor control and calming down after activity.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, sing softly, twisting your hand like a puppet, as in the traditional song (1 min).
2. Count the five cubs by touching each finger with the other hand (1 min).
3. On «five she washed, five she combed» slowly wash your arms and comb your hair with your fingers (1 min).
4. Sing slower and softer each time, down to a whisper (1 min).
5. The wolf falls asleep: lie down with a hand on your tummy and feel it rise and fall (1 min).

Rules

• Sing very softly.
• Touch myself gently, like a little cub.
• Everyone with their own body.
• When the wolf sleeps, I close my eyes or look at the ceiling.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited hand mobility: the teacher or a buddy gently moves their fingers while counting.
• Autism or sensory sensitivity: wash and comb in the air without touching.
• Hearing impairment: lean on the gestures; the song isn't essential.

Learning goals

• Calm down after physical activity.
• Move fingers one at a time.
• Enjoy a traditional lullaby.

Teacher tip

Lower your voice first and they follow on their own. If the floor is cold, the ending can be done sitting with the head resting on the knees.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary