The Giant Flower of Bodies

The whole class lies on their backs with heads toward the center to form the petals of a giant flower that opens, closes and sways in the wind in time with their breathing. It calms everyone down and gives the feeling of being part of something made together.

How to play

1. We lie on our backs with heads toward the middle, like flower petals; the teacher helps us get into place (2 min).
2. We stretch our arms out to the sides until we find the hands of the petals next to us (1 min).
3. The flower opens and closes: arms go up as we breathe in and down as we breathe out (1 min).
4. A soft breeze blows and the flower sways: bent knees slowly drop to one side and then the other (1 min).
5. Night falls and the petals say goodbye one by one: the teacher names each child, who slowly sits up (1 min).

Rules

• My head points to the middle of the flower.
• I find my neighbors' hands without squeezing.
• The flower moves very slowly.
• I get up when I hear my name.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they can be the center of the flower in their wheelchair, with the petals around them.
• Autism: give them a little extra space on each side and let them choose to hold hands or just touch a finger.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher shows open and close with big arm movements visible from the floor.

Learning goals

• Relax through breathing.
• Feel part of the group.
• Move slowly and with control.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft music

Teacher tip

Practice getting into place first: the first child lies down and the rest fill in beside them like the hands of a clock. Dim the lights if the room allows.

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