Napping in the Lake Boat

Lying face up on the bench, a boat on a calm lake, kids breathe slowly while the teacher floats a piece of fabric over them like a breeze. It builds relaxation and breathing after exercise.

How to play

1. With soft music on, each child sits on their own piece of boat, with mats on both sides (1 min).
2. We lie back slowly, arms hanging at our sides like oars at rest (1 min).
3. We breathe like the lake: our tummy rises like a little wave and goes back down (1 min).
4. The teacher slowly floats the big fabric over the boats: it's the breeze brushing past us (2 min).
5. We wake up: wiggle fingers and toes, roll onto our side and sit up very slowly (1 min).

Rules

• In the boat we move very slowly.
• Eyes can close; mouths stay quiet.
• To get up, roll onto your side first.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they relax in their wheelchair or on a mat, and the fabric floats over them too.
• Autism: if they don't like the fabric passing over, give it to them to hold in their lap.
• Hearing impairment: give the wake-up signal with a gentle touch on the shoulder.

Learning goals

• Slow the body down after activity.
• Become aware of breathing.
• Enjoy a shared moment of calm.

Equipment for a class of 25

• banco sueco: 4
• colchonetas: 8
• tela grande: 1
• música

Teacher tip

Three kids per bench at most, and dim the lights if you can. The usual mistake is jumping up all at once, so teach the side-roll wake-up before you start.

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