The Hammock That Rocks Us One by One
Two adults hold a sturdy fabric just above the mat and gently rock one child lying in it while the group sings a made-up lullaby; meanwhile, pairs rock a stuffed animal in a towel. It helps children relax their muscle tone, trust the adults and enjoy being cared for.
How to play
- We spread the fabric on the mats and learn the lullaby: “Rock, rock the hammock, rock it nice and slow, [name] is in the little nest, sleeping as we go” (2 min).
- In pairs, we take a towel and a stuffed animal: it is our little hammock to rock while we wait (1 min).
- One by one, each child lies in the fabric and two adults lift it a hand's width and rock it while everyone sings their name; meanwhile, the others rock their stuffed animal in a towel with a partner (8 min).
- The child getting out says whether they want to be rocked faster or slower next time (2 min).
- We finish lying on the mats, rocking ourselves gently side to side (2 min).
Rules
- Only adults hold the hammock.
- In the hammock we lie still.
- If you want to get down, say “Done” and you'll be lowered slowly.
Variations
Easier
With 3-year-olds, just a few seconds with the hammock almost touching the floor.
Standard
With 4-year-olds, the child chooses to lie on their back or side.
Harder
With 5-year-olds, they choose the speed and can close their eyes to feel the swaying.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: help the child onto the fabric and rock very gently with the head well supported.
- Autism: the child may watch others first and decide whether to get in; rocking only their stuffed animal is fine.
- Hearing loss: the teacher's hand moves in time with the hammock along with the lullaby.
Learning goals
- Relax muscle tone by letting oneself be held.
- Trust the adults and the group.
- Notice and say how it feels to be rocked.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large sturdy fabric: 1
- Mats: 2
- Towels: 12
- Stuffed animals: 12
Teacher tip
You'll need a second adult (aide, co-teacher or parent volunteer); if there isn't one, do the stuffed-animal version. The fabric never goes more than a hand's width off the floor and always over a mat.
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