Watching the Waves from the Dock

Sitting in a row on the bench, the harbor dock, kids make waves with their arms in time with their breathing and stretch before heading back to class. It builds slow breathing and gentle stretching at the end of the session.

How to play

1. We all sit on the benches side by side, feet flat on the floor (1 min).
2. Big waves are coming: we breathe in raising our arms way up and breathe out lowering them slowly (1 min).
3. The waves get smaller: we just lift and lower our hands over our knees, breathing softly (1 min).
4. We reach toward our feet as if looking at the fish in the water, then roll back up little by little (1 min).
5. We say goodbye to the sea by quietly sharing which bench game we liked best (1 min).

Rules

• On the dock we sit calmly.
• Waves move slowly, never all of a sudden.
• We talk one at a time, in a quiet voice.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they make waves from their wheelchair at the end of the dock, next to classmates.
• Autism: sit at one end of the bench with space on one side.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher shows the wave rhythm with their arms, clearly visible.

Learning goals

• Breathe slowly and with awareness.
• Gently stretch the arms and back.
• Remember and share what they did in the session.

Equipment for a class of 25

• banco sueco: 4

Teacher tip

It's a good wrap-up before putting the benches away together. Sit in front of them at their level so they copy the slow rhythm.

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