Keep the Feather Up

The children drop a feather and blow from below to keep it from reaching the floor. It builds breath control, eye-body coordination, and persistence.

How to play

1. Each child takes a feather, drops it from up high, and watches how slowly it falls (2 min).
2. We drop it and blow from underneath so it takes longer to fall (3 min).
3. We try two or three breaths in a row without it touching the floor (3 min).
4. In pairs: one drops the feather and the other blows to keep it up (3 min).
5. Lying on the mats, we blow the feather up from our tummy (2 min).
6. We put the feathers away and breathe calmly (1 min).

Rules

• I blow upward, no spitting.
• If my feather lands, I pick it up and try again.
• Everyone in their own spot, away from other feathers.
• Feathers don't go in my mouth.

Variations

Adaptations

• Motor-impaired: plays seated; a partner drops the feather above them.
• Visual impairment: big bright feathers held close enough to feel.
• Weaker breath: may fan the feather with a paper plate.

Learning goals

• Control the strength and direction of the breath.
• Coordinate the eyes with body position.
• Keep trying at a hard task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plumas: 30
• colchonetas: 4

Teacher tip

Close the windows: a draft makes it impossible. Use big marabou feathers; small ones cling to clothes. If someone feels dizzy, they stop and breathe normally.

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