Pushing Clouds With My Palms

Standing with calm music, children move their arms very slowly as if pushing soft clouds: forward, to the sides, up and down, in time with their breathing. It works on slow, coordinated movement with the breath.

How to play

1. Stand with feet a little apart and soft knees; put on gentle music (1 min).
2. Breathe in as you raise your arms, then breathe out while slowly pushing a cloud forward (1 min).
3. Push clouds to one side and then the other, turning the body a little with feet still (1 min).
4. Lift a cloud up to the sky with both hands, then lower it to the floor bending your knees (1 min).
5. Gather all the clouds into a tiny one between your hands, hold it to your heart and breathe (1 min).

Rules

• My feet stay in place.
• We push the clouds with no rush.
• I move my arms with the music.
• I don't touch other people's clouds.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated in a chair, arms only.
• Visual impairment: the teacher stands behind them and guides their arms for the first moves.
• Hearing loss: everyone stands where they can see the teacher, who exaggerates breathing with their chest.

Learning goals

• Move very slowly with control.
• Coordinate arm movements with breathing.
• Calm the body with music.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Music

Teacher tip

Play very slow instrumental music and move even slower than feels necessary. A common mistake is moving only the hands: invite them to push "with your whole body."

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