Seals Drying in the Sun

Seals come out of the water, sliding very slowly on their bellies, and lie down to dry in the sun. Children slow their bodies down and feel their body against the floor.

How to play

1. We play soft music; the seals drag themselves very slowly on their bellies to their rock (1 min).
2. They lie face down, cheek on their hands, feeling the warm sun on their backs (1 min).
3. They slowly roll over to dry their tummies (1 min).
4. The teacher walks by naming what's drying: "the flippers are drying... the tail is drying," and they let it go loose (2 min).
5. The seals sit up slowly and clap softly with their flippers (1 min).

Rules

• I move very slowly, like a tired seal.
• On my rock I'm still and quiet.
• I relax the body part the teacher names.
• I get up slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: relax seated in the wheelchair, eyes closed, arms hanging.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the teacher gently touches the body part instead of naming it, if the child is OK with it.
• Autism: the child may use a weighted blanket or cushion if it helps them settle.

Learning goals

• Calm down after activity.
• Feel the body's contact with the floor.
• Relax body parts one at a time.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Calm music

Teacher tip

Dim the lights and speak more and more softly. If a child doesn't want to close their eyes, they can look at a spot on the ceiling.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary