Floppy Puppet
Floppy puppet: students stand tall like puppets on strings, then the strings are "cut" and they relax each body part.
How to play
- Stand tall as if pulled by strings.
- Cut the head string: relax the neck.
- Cut arms, trunk and legs one by one.
- End sitting relaxed.
Rules
- Move slowly.
Variations
Easier
Few strings.
Standard
All strings.
Harder
Rebuild the puppet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated.
- Very inclusive.
Learning goals
- Relaxation.
- Body awareness.
PatioLab has "Floppy Puppet" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More cool-downs for Elementary
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8 to calm the group.
5-Senses Mindfulness
5-senses mindfulness: students notice 5 things they see, 4 they hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they smell and 1 they taste.
Back Drawing with Partner
In pairs, one student uses a finger to draw a shape, letter or number on a partner's back, and the partner has to guess it.
Balloon Belly Breathing
Balloon belly breathing: students imagine a balloon in their belly that fills when they breathe in and empties when they breathe out.
Balloon Stretching
Balloon stretching: a cool-down with balloons — gentle stretches while keeping the balloon in the air or holding it with different body parts.
Body Journal
Body journal: students note how their body feels after class (energy, tiredness, mood).