Tucking the Instruments into Bed

At the end of the lesson, each child thanks their shaker, gives it one last very soft shake, wraps it in a scarf and rocks it while breathing slowly. It brings the class back to calm with slow breathing and gentle movements.

How to play

1. Sitting down, everyone sets their shaker in front of them and whispers to it how well it played today (1 min).
2. Give it one last sound, softer and softer, until you can barely hear it (1 min).
3. Wrap it in the scarf with very slow movements, like a baby (1 min).
4. Rock it in your arms, taking long breaths and humming a made-up lullaby (1 min).
5. Lie down with the tucked-in shaker on your tummy and watch it rise and fall as you breathe (1 min).
6. Tiptoe it over to the basket to sleep until next time (1 min).

Rules

• The shaker is sleeping, so no more shaking.
• Move slowly, as if everything is asleep.
• Breathe through your nose, no rush.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less hand control: instead of wrapping, lay the open scarf over the shaker on the tummy.
• Autism: they can do it in their quiet corner, following picture steps.
• Limited mobility: no need to lie down; the shaker rests on the lap or a table.

Learning goals

• Calm down after activity.
• Practice slow, deep breathing.
• Care for equipment in an affectionate way.

Equipment for a class of 25

• homemade shakers: 25
• scarves: 25
• basket: 1

Teacher tip

Drop your own voice from the first step; the room's tone follows yours. It's also a good moment to check every shaker is still sealed before putting them away.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary