Turning Off the Body's Lights

Lying down, children imagine their body is a house with the lights on and turn them off one by one, leaving each part still and floppy. It builds part-by-part relaxation and body awareness.

How to play

1. Each child lies on their back on a mat; the teacher explains that the body's lights are on because we've played so much (1 min).
2. In a soft voice, the teacher turns off the lights in the feet and ankles: they wiggle a little and fall asleep (1 min).
3. Turn off the lights in the legs and knees, then the tummy and bottom, which feel heavy on the floor (1 min).
4. Turn off the lights in the hands, arms, elbows and shoulders (1 min).
5. Turn off the light in the face and head; the whole body is dark, and we breathe slowly (1 min).
6. The teacher turns the lights back on in fingers and toes, we stretch and slowly sit up (1 min).

Rules

• Stay on your own mat without touching your neighbor.
• Use only your whisper voice.
• A part with its light off stays still.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: if lying down is unsettling, the child can sit and hug a cushion.
• Limited mobility: relax in the wheelchair with arms resting.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher stays in view and points to the light being turned off on their own body.

Learning goals

• Relax the body one part at a time.
• Notice stillness and heaviness in each part.
• Calm down after activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 25
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Dim the room lights if you can; it supports the story. Speak slower and softer each time, and if someone giggles, don't correct them, just keep going calmly.

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