Filling the Paper Nest Slowly

At the end of the session, children pick up all the paper on the floor moving very slowly, like birds carrying twigs to their nest. They work on calming down, caring for the space and shared responsibility.

How to play

1. With calm music, the teacher sets out the large open bags: they're the birds' nests (1 min).
2. Tiptoe very slowly, and each bird picks up just one paper thing with both hands (1 min).
3. Before taking it to the nest, look at it: squeeze it if it's a ball, fold it if it's a sheet (1 min).
4. Fly it gently to the nest with soft wing arms, and come back for another (2 min).
5. When the floor is clean, the birds curl up next to their nest and breathe slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Move slowly, like tired birds.
• One thing at a time, with both hands.
• All the paper goes in the nest; the floor stays clean.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair holds a nest on their lap and classmates bring the paper over.
• Autism: give a set task in advance, like collecting only the balls of one color or from one marked area.
• Visual impairment: collect in a small marked-off area, and tap the nest twice so it can be heard.

Learning goals

• Bring the body's energy down at the end of the session.
• Care for the shared space by tidying materials.
• Work together on a shared task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large paper bags: 4
• music

Teacher tip

If clean-up becomes a race, the session ends wound up; the tired-bird trick slows everyone down. Keep what's in good shape for next time and put torn paper in the recycling bin.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary