The Dancing Candle Flame

Children are a candle flame that dances gently to the music and gets smaller each time the teacher blows from far away. It works on slow, controlled movement for calming down.

How to play

1. Kneeling, children put their hands together above their head like a flame while the teacher plays very calm music (1 min).
2. The flame dances: arms and trunk sway slowly side to side as if a soft breeze were moving it (1 min).
3. The teacher blows softly from afar and the flame leans to one side and straightens up again without going out (1 min).
4. The candle burns down: each time the teacher blows, the flame dances lower until it reaches the floor (1 min).
5. Last puff: the flame goes out, children curl up in a ball and breathe slowly in silence (1 min).

Rules

• The flame dances very slowly.
• I move when the teacher blows and stay straight when they don't.
• When I go out, I'm silent.
• I dance in my own spot.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the flame is just the arms, from the chair.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher makes a big blowing gesture with one hand that everyone can see.
• Autism: if lying down is hard, the child can "go out" sitting and hugging their knees.

Learning goals

• Make slow, controlled movements.
• Lower energy step by step.
• Enjoy a moment of calm and quiet.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Music

Teacher tip

Dim the lights if you can; it really helps them get into it. Blow big but silently so the calm isn't broken.

More activities like this

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