The Sleeping Butterfly

Lying on their backs with soles of the feet together and knees open like wings, children are butterflies falling asleep at the end of the day. They relax the hips and the whole body to soft music.

How to play

1. The teacher plays soft music and says the butterflies have flown all day and are looking for a leaf to sleep on (1 min).
2. Sitting, make butterfly and lie back without letting the soles come apart (1 min).
3. The wings fall open on their own, heavy, toward the floor; one hand on the belly and one on the chest (1 min).
4. The butterfly dreams: eyes closed, breathing slowly while the teacher names body parts falling asleep (1 min).
5. The butterfly wakes up: knees together, roll onto the side and sit up slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Wings open on their own, I don't push them.
• The butterfly sleeps quietly.
• I wake up slowly, rolling to the side.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: relax seated or lying with legs however is comfortable, with a cushion under the knees.
• Autism: cover up with a blanket, or stay seated if lying down feels unsettling.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher gives directions with gestures before dimming the lights or eyes close.

Learning goals

• Relax the hips and the whole body.
• Notice belly and chest breathing.
• End the session calmly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• música suave

Teacher tip

Put a cushion or rolled towel under each knee if the wings stay high: that's how they truly relax. Dim the lights if you can.

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