Swinging in a Beach Hammock

Through a short story, children lie in a pretend hammock between two palm trees and rock gently side to side, slower and slower, until they lie still listening to the ocean. It works on relaxation through rocking and imagination.

How to play

1. Lie face up and hug your knees: you're a little bundle inside the hammock (1 min).
2. The teacher says the breeze is moving the hammock: we rock side to side on our backs, slowly (1 min).
3. The waves go "shhh" and the hammock rocks slower; we breathe with each rock (1 min).
4. The breeze stops: let go of your knees, stretch your legs, and the hammock is still (1 min).
5. Listen to the ocean with eyes closed and get up slowly, as if climbing out of the hammock (1 min).

Rules

• I rock gently, no rolling over.
• I stay in my spot.
• I listen calmly to the story.
• At the end, I stay still.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rock side to side seated in the chair with arms crossed.
• Hearing loss: the teacher's hand swaying side to side shows the rocking.
• Autism: rocking calms many kids; if they want to keep going, let them continue a bit longer.

Learning goals

• Relax through rocking.
• Imagine a calm place.
• Recognize the feeling of calm.

Teacher tip

Use mats to protect their backs. You can add the "shhh" of the waves, longer each time, to set the rocking rhythm.

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