Lullaby for a Sleepy Circle

With a made-up lullaby, the circle turns slower and slower, closes in, sits down and lies back like the petals of a flower. It builds slowing down and releasing tension in the body until we're calm.

How to play

1. Standing in a circle holding hands, turn very slowly while softly singing the lullaby: "Sleep now, circle, close your eyes, little hands, time to rest, one goes here and one goes there, now our circle's sleeping best" (1 min).
2. The circle closes in step by step, as slow as a snail, while we sing softer and softer (1 min).
3. Sit down without letting go, all together, counting to three very slowly (1 min).
4. Let go of hands and lay them to sleep on the floor; then arms, shoulders and head fall asleep, with the head gently dropping forward (2 min).
5. Lie on our backs with heads toward the middle, like flower petals, and breathe slowly while the teacher hums the lullaby (1 min).

Rules

• We sing softly, like someone is sleeping.
• We move slowly, like snails.
• When we lie down, we don't touch our neighbors.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair stays in the circle relaxing arms, shoulders and head without lying down.
• Autism: say beforehand that we'll lie down, and allow staying seated if they prefer.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher does the lullaby gestures (hands together under the cheek) and shows the speed with her hands.

Learning goals

• Gradually slow down movement.
• Relax different parts of the body.
• End the session calm and comfortable.

Teacher tip

Check the space before lying down: the circle must be big enough for heads to fit in the middle without bumping. Speak more and more quietly; they'll copy you.

More activities like this

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