Folding the Big Sheet Together

The whole group holds a big sheet, raises and lowers it with their breathing, then folds it together, smaller and smaller, until it's put away. It brings everyone back to calm with slow, coordinated group movement.

How to play

1. Stand in a circle around the spread-out sheet and everyone holds the edge with both hands (1 min).
2. Breathe in and slowly lift the sheet; breathe out and lower it to the floor, several times (1 min).
3. Fold it in half: half of the circle walks slowly toward the other half and matches their edge with theirs (1 min).
4. Fold it again: anyone left without sheet to hold sits down and watches while the others keep folding carefully (1 min).
5. Once it's small, two children carry it in a procession, walking very slowly, to the cupboard or box (1 min).
6. Sitting in a circle, close your eyes and take three breaths like when we lifted the sheet (1 min).

Rules

• Hold the sheet without pulling.
• Move slowly and all together.
• When you're out of sheet, sit down calmly.
• Put the sheet away carefully.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child holds the sheet from the wheelchair and carries it in the procession on their lap.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher signals up and down with big, visible arm movements.
• Autism: the child can be in charge of opening the box where the sheet is stored.

Learning goals

• Bring activation down with slow movements.
• Coordinate movement with the whole group.
• Cooperate in a tidy-up task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large bed sheet: 1

Teacher tip

It's a perfect wrap-up after sheet or parachute games. Speak low and slow: if you give directions calmly, the group mirrors you.

More activities like this

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