Putting Our Superpowers Away in the Chest

At the end of the session, the superheroes put their powers away one at a time in a treasure chest (a box), doing one stretch for each power. It works on flexibility and winds down with a symbolic goodbye.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle around the chest, the teacher opens it very slowly (1 min).
2. Put away the power of flight: stretch arms way up, press hands together and lower them into the chest (1 min).
3. Put away super-strength: legs straight out in front, reach hands toward the feet as if picking up a rock (1 min).
4. Put away the stretchy power: twist the trunk to one side and then the other with arms open (1 min).
5. Put away super speed: circle the ankles very slowly until they stop (1 min).
6. Close the chest together with one long breath out and say "See you tomorrow, powers" (1 min).

Rules

• We put powers away slowly.
• I stretch without hurting myself, only as far as I can.
• Everyone puts their powers away from their own spot.
• We close the chest all together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the arm and trunk stretches from the wheelchair; super-strength is stored by reaching toward the knees.
• Visual impairment: the teacher describes each stretch and lets the child touch the chest before starting.
• Autism: give the child the job of opening and closing the chest so the start and end are clear.

Learning goals

• Stretch arms, legs, trunk and ankles.
• Wind down with a calm ritual.
• Remember the games from the session.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large box: 1

Teacher tip

Any box with a lid works; decorate it as a treasure chest and you'll use it all year as a closing routine. Hold each stretch a few seconds without bouncing: three-year-olds tend to pull hard, so say "stretch like a cat waking up."

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary