The Ribbon Snail Curls Up

Sitting down, children slowly wind their ribbon around the wand like a snail going into its shell, then curl up on the floor like snails themselves. It builds fine motor skills, patience and body relaxation at the end of the session.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, we stretch the ribbon out in front of us in a straight line, like a path (1 min).
2. The snail goes home: we turn the wand with both hands and the ribbon slowly winds up without tangling (1 min).
3. Once the ribbon is wound up, we put it down and become snails too: knees to chest, head tucked in (1 min).
4. The snail slowly pokes out its antennae: we stretch out long on the floor and curl back up (1 min).
5. The rain is over and the snail sleeps stretched out: we lie still, breathing calmly (1 min).

Rules

• I wind slowly: snails are never in a hurry.
• If mine gets tangled, I ask a friend for help.
• When I'm a snail, I'm quiet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less hand skill: wind the ribbon onto a cardboard tube thicker than the wand.
• Limited mobility: be a snail by hugging themselves from the wheelchair.
• Autism: count the turns out loud with the child for clear structure.

Learning goals

• Coordinate both hands in a fine motor task.
• Stay focused on a slow task.
• Relax the body at the end of the session.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cintas de tela con palito: 25

Teacher tip

It's the perfect way to put ribbons away tangle-free for next time. At first kids pull the ribbon and tangle it: show that the wand turns and the ribbon just follows along.

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