Moon Phases in the Circle

Sitting in a circle holding hands, children are a full moon that turns into a half moon and a new moon as they slowly lie down, then fills back up as they sit up, always in time with their breathing. It's a cool-down with slow movement and breathing.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle holding hands, we're the full moon; breathe in and breathe out slowly (1 min).
2. Half moon: half the circle lies back very slowly while breathing out (1 min).
3. New moon: everyone lies down and the moon disappears from the sky; breathe with hands on bellies (1 min).
4. The moon comes back: first one half sits up slowly, then the other, until it's a full moon again (1 min).
5. Say good night to the moon in a whisper (1 min).

Rules

• I lie down and sit up slowly.
• I breathe out when I move.
• I only talk in whispers.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: from the wheelchair, the child leans forward for the new moon and sits up for the full moon.
• Hearing loss: the teacher marks each phase with a moon drawing on the board.
• Autism: the child can stay sitting if lying down is uncomfortable and make the new moon by closing their eyes.

Learning goals

• Coordinate slow movements with breathing.
• Make a changing group shape.
• Relax at the end of the session.

Teacher tip

Decide ahead which half of the circle lies down first and point to it. Dim the lights if you can: a nighttime feel really helps kids settle.

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