The Story That Falls Asleep

The teacher tells the story of Tina the raindrop, who falls from a cloud and gets sleepier and sleepier, and children act it out with slower and slower moves until they fall asleep on the floor. They practice following a story and slowing their bodies down.

How to play

1. Standing and spread out: "Tina was a little raindrop who lived in a cloud and loved to bounce"; bounce gently in place (1 min).
2. "One day she fell from the cloud, spinning and spinning"; turn slowly with arms open (1 min).
3. "She landed on a leaf and slid down very slowly"; bend your knees and slide down to sitting (1 min).
4. "She joined other raindrops in a quiet puddle"; seated, sway side to side, slower and slower (1 min).
5. "The warm sun came out, and Tina fell asleep"; lie down, close your eyes and breathe slowly while the teacher whispers the ending (2 min).

Rules

• I listen to the story with my ears wide open.
• I move more slowly in each part.
• At the end I stay still and quiet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the story seated, using arms and trunk.
• Hearing impairment: stand where everyone can see you and support the story with big gestures.
• Autism: let them know ahead of time that the lights will be dimmed at the end.

Learning goals

• Follow a simple story with the body.
• Gradually slow down movement.
• Reach a calm state at the end of the session.

Teacher tip

Lower your voice with every line; your tone does more than the story. If someone giggles while lying down, just keep whispering and they'll settle.

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