Still Until the Sand Runs Out

While the sand falls in the timer, children are still stones in a river and pay attention to their breathing and the sounds in the room. It builds holding still for a visible, concrete amount of time and calming down.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle around the sand timer, explain: while the sand falls, we're still stones in a river (1 min).
2. First timer sitting up, watching the sand fall (1 min).
3. Second timer lying on our backs, eyes closed if we want, listening to the sounds in the room (1 min).
4. Third timer sitting with hands on our tummies, feeling them rise and fall as we breathe (1 min).
5. Share in a whisper what we heard or noticed (1 min).
6. Stand up little by little, like a plant growing (1 min).

Rules

• While the sand falls, we don't talk or move.
• Only the teacher turns the timer.
• When the sand runs out, we can move slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: be a stone sitting in the wheelchair with hands on the tummy.
• Visual impairment: the teacher whispers "start" and "done" when turning the timer.
• Autism: let the child watch the timer up close; seeing how much time is left is reassuring.

Learning goals

• Hold still for a set amount of time.
• Listen to sounds around them.
• Notice their own breathing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Sand timer: 1

Teacher tip

Place the timer up high or in the middle of the circle so everyone can see it fall. If you don't have one, a visual kitchen timer works just as well.

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