The Painting Dries

Lying on the floor, children are a freshly painted picture that slowly dries: each body part goes still and heavy when it "dries." They practice progressive relaxation and calming down after activity.

How to play

1. The teacher plays soft music and explains that we've painted a beautiful picture and now have to let it dry without touching it (1 min).
2. We lie on our backs, each in our own spot, and close our eyes if we'd like (1 min).
3. The teacher names body parts: "Feet are drying," "Legs are drying"... and each part goes still and heavy on the floor (2 min).
4. A "gentle breeze" passes by (the teacher walks slowly) and checks if the paintings are dry by gently touching a hand or foot (1 min).
5. The painting is dry: we stretch slowly, roll onto our sides, and sit up (1 min).

Rules

• Wet paintings don't move.
• Breathe slowly through your nose.
• Sit up only when the teacher says the painting is dry.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: it can be done seated, letting the arms and head drop as they dry.
• Autism: say before touching, or skip touch if it isn't tolerated; let them use their own blanket or cushion.
• Hearing loss: the teacher stays in view and points to the part that is drying.

Learning goals

• Relax the body one part at a time.
• Calm down after activity.
• Feel the body's weight against the floor.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft music

Teacher tip

Make your voice softer and softer; very quiet music helps. If someone giggles, don't scold: "That painting is still a little wet," and keep going.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary