The Volcano Goes Back to Sleep
Each child is a volcano still hot after an eruption: they squeeze their whole body like bubbling lava and release it little by little as the lava cools into calm rock. Kids work on tense-and-release relaxation and managing energy and feelings.
How to play
- Sitting, we're volcanoes that just erupted: the teacher asks how we feel when we're really wound up or angry (1 min).
- The lava bubbles: we squeeze our fists tight, count to three and let go (1 min).
- We squeeze our arms and lift our shoulders to our ears, then release them, letting the air out "Fffff" (1 min).
- We squeeze our legs and feet, then release; we lie down on our backs (1 min).
- The lava cools: we breathe slowly and our body gets heavy as a rock; the teacher touches each "rock" with one finger and it doesn't move (2 min).
Rules
- I squeeze hard, but I don't hurt myself.
- When I let go, I go floppy.
- A sleeping rock doesn't talk.
- I listen to the teacher's voice.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just fists and legs, with the teacher squeezing and releasing along with them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, fists, arms and shoulders, legs and a final breath.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add the face (squeeze eyes and mouth), then share what makes them feel like a volcano and how they calm down.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: squeezes and releases whatever parts they can move, sitting in the wheelchair.
- Autism: the teacher doesn't touch the rock if it's unwelcome and says it aloud instead ("This rock is asleep").
- Hearing loss: the teacher shows the squeeze-and-release with clearly visible fists.
Learning goals
- Feel the difference between tension and relaxation.
- Relax the body after active play.
- Connect the volcano with anger and discover ways to calm down.
Teacher tip
This cool-down works wonders after a lively session or a conflict. Count very slowly and leave long silences; little ones relax more from your pace than your words.
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