Slow-Motion Story
Slow-motion story: the teacher tells a story and students act it out in very slow motion to bring heart rates down.
How to play
- Students spread out.
- Tell a simple story (a walk in the forest, a space trip).
- Students act it out in slow motion.
- End the story with characters going to sleep: lie down and breathe.
Rules
- Move very slowly.
- Quiet listening.
Variations
Easier
Short story.
Standard
Longer story.
Harder
Students add to the story.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated acting.
- Very inclusive.
Learning goals
- Return to calm.
- Develop body expression.
PatioLab has "Slow-Motion Story" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More cool-downs for Elementary
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8 to calm the group.
5-Senses Mindfulness
5-senses mindfulness: students notice 5 things they see, 4 they hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they smell and 1 they taste.
Back Drawing with Partner
In pairs, one student uses a finger to draw a shape, letter or number on a partner's back, and the partner has to guess it.
Balloon Belly Breathing
Balloon belly breathing: students imagine a balloon in their belly that fills when they breathe in and empties when they breathe out.
Balloon Stretching
Balloon stretching: a cool-down with balloons — gentle stretches while keeping the balloon in the air or holding it with different body parts.
Body Journal
Body journal: students note how their body feels after class (energy, tiredness, mood).
