The Little Light on the Ceiling

Lying on their backs with the classroom lights off, children follow a small spot of light drifting slowly across the ceiling and breathe along with it. They practice calm visual tracking and relaxation.

How to play

1. We lower the blinds and lie on our backs on the mats, arms by our sides (1 min).
2. The teacher turns on the flashlight and the little light "wakes up" on the ceiling; we watch it without moving our heads (1 min).
3. The light drifts very slowly: when it goes up, we breathe in; when it goes down, we breathe out (2 min).
4. The light stops above each child, and that child closes their eyes as if falling asleep (1 min).
5. The light goes out, we raise the blinds a little and sit up slowly with a big stretch (1 min).

Rules

• We lie down and stay quiet.
• Follow the light with just your eyes.
• When the light stops over you, close your eyes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Child afraid of the dark: lies next to the teacher and we leave some light on.
• Child with limited mobility: can play seated in their chair facing a wall.
• Child with low vision: use a brighter or colored flashlight and very slow movements.

Learning goals

• Follow a slow visual stimulus with the eyes.
• Link the light's movement to breathing.
• Calm down after activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• linterna: 1
• colchonetas: 25

Teacher tip

Never shine the flashlight in anyone's eyes. If you can't darken the room, aim the light at a shaded spot on the ceiling or wall.

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