What Did We Do First?

At the end of the session, sitting in a circle, children remember what they did in order and replay it with a small, calm gesture, from first to last. It works on remembering order and calming down.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, take three deep breaths so the body can rest (1 min).
2. The teacher asks: what did we do first today? Say it and replay that game with a small, slow gesture, just with hands (1 min).
3. And next? Remember the second game and do it tiny too (1 min).
4. And last? Remember the final one and do it very slowly, barely moving (1 min).
5. Do the three gestures in a row in order, slower each time, ending with hands on your chest (1 min).

Rules

• I raise my hand to remember.
• Gestures are small and slow.
• I listen to what others remember.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: gestures use hands and face, doable in any position.
• Autism: lay out the session's cards on the floor in order while remembering.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher pairs the questions with signs for first (one finger), next (two) and last (open hand).

Learning goals

• Recall the session's sequence.
• Use first, next and last.
• Calm down with gentle movements.

Teacher tip

If you used cards or equipment during the session, keep them handy as hints. Everyone tends to name their favorite game, so keep asking “What was the very first thing?”

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary