The Cloud That Carries Mad Away

Lying down, children imagine their anger or jitters climbing onto a cloud and blow it gently far away. It builds slow breathing and relaxation at the end of the session.

How to play

1. Lying on our backs with soft music, place hands on the tummy and feel it rise and fall (1 min).
2. The teacher says: “If you have a little anger or jitters, let's put it in a white cloud above your tummy” (1 min).
3. Blow very slowly so the cloud floats away: the teacher blows a feather or scarf to show how soft the breath is (1 min).
4. The cloud floats far away, past the ceiling; breathe slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth, five times (2 min).
5. Stretch, roll to one side and sit up slowly, sharing how we feel now (1 min).

Rules

• I stay lying in my own spot.
• I blow very softly, like I don't want to mess up the cloud.
• I only talk when the teacher asks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do it seated in the wheelchair with hands on the tummy.
• Autism: allow holding a familiar object and don't require closing eyes.
• Hearing loss: guide the breathing with the teacher's hand rising and falling.

Learning goals

• Breathe slowly and mindfully.
• Imagine letting go of an uncomfortable feeling.
• Calm down after play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Feather or scarf: 1
• Soft music

Teacher tip

A real feather that moves with the breath teaches how gently to blow better than any explanation. Use the same cloud in the classroom when someone comes back upset from recess.

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