The Baker Goes to Bed at Sunrise

The baker has worked all night, and as the town wakes up she goes to bed: children take off their apron, wash the flour off their hands and lie down listening to morning sounds. It builds relaxation, breathing and calm after effort.

How to play

1. The teacher says the baker made bread all night and is very tired; we walk slowly, shuffling our feet (1 min).
2. Slowly take off the apron and hat and brush the flour off our arms (1 min).
3. Wash the flour off our hands very slowly, one finger at a time (1 min).
4. Lie on our backs in bed; outside the town wakes up and the teacher names sounds (birds, a bus, a shop shutter) while we breathe slowly (2 min).
5. Close our eyes, our body feels heavy like a fresh loaf, and we fall asleep until the teacher wakes us softly (1 min).

Rules

• I move very slowly.
• When I’m lying down, I don’t talk.
• I listen to the sounds without moving.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: relax in the wheelchair or on a mat with help, eyes closed.
• Autism: the child may cover up with a blanket and keep eyes open if they prefer.
• Hearing impairment: instead of sounds, the teacher shows morning pictures and the child breathes looking at one.

Learning goals

• Relax the body after activity.
• Breathe slowly and mindfully.
• Learn that some jobs happen at night.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft music

Teacher tip

Dim the lights and lower your voice. If someone giggles, don’t stop: keep the story going quietly and the calm spreads.

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