Wiggle Cool Down

After we experience stressful situations, our bodies can feel tense. What does your body feel like when you are stressed? How does your body feel after physical activity? To help our bodies relax, we can complete a series of movements to relieve the tension. By relieving the tension in our bodies, we will be able to regulate our bodies and our emotions in times of stress.

1. Prompt students to take a collective deep breath.
2. Have students each find their own space in the room, where they can move around and respect the space of others.
3. Say, “We are going to count down from 10 to 1, doing different motions that help us release extra energy to get our bodies and brains calm, focused, and ready to learn.” ”Ten, nine, eight, seven - the thunder in the sky is silent (for example, students perform chaotic movements, making different sounds, gradually slowing them down). The clouds are flying here and there. Then the number six comes. (The teacher speaks more quietly, turning to a whisper). The grass is mowed in the meadow - five, four, three and two… (e.g., students take a deep breath, straighten their backs and shoulders and exhale). After a two comes a one…” (students take another deep breath and exhale).
4. Frequently repeat the activity to help students build the ability to regulate their body and mind.

• How did you feel while doing this activity? Did your feelings change as the movements changed - from fast and exciting, to slow and calm?
• What are other times when it might feel good to do a calming or relaxing activity? (E.g., before you take a ride in a car, when recess is over and we need to get our minds and bodies ready to go inside.)
• How would you change this activity for the next time we play?

For students in primary school:

• When first learning the activity - and continually with younger students - practice each move one by one: wiggle, get quiet, sit silently, breathe deeply, roll shoulders back. Over time, see if students can remember the sequence without the directions; try just counting down the numbers aloud.
• Encourage students to take the lead. After students are comfortable with the chant, encourage students to try leading the chant for their peers.
• Invite students to write new chants or stories that the class can use for this activity.

For students in grades 5-6:

• Invite students to create their own original name for the activity (e.g., “The Kettle is Cooling,” etc.).
• Increase the challenge level by starting at the number 15 or 20 and inviting them to create new motions for the different numbers.
• During the introduction or debrief, describe the science behind using movement to reduce stress and anxiety. Share with students that exercise may boost a neurotransmitter called endorphins which makes the brain feel good, and exercise can improve your mood by helping you relax and lowering systems of anxiety.