Introduction
This activity is created to calm children down and give them time for some mindful activities during the chaotic and somewhat hectic schooldays. It consists of 10 minute long story being read out loud, and can be included at the beginning or near the end of a lesson.
Target group and Time
Suitable for 5th or 6th graders and takes 15 minutes.
Learning objectives
Calming down, learning new vocabulary, and improving listening skills.
Instructions to set up the activity
The only material needed is the text, but a speaker to play some jungle or dinosaur sounds in the background is a nice addition.
Letting it run
This is the text to read:
Take a deep breath and relax your body as we begin. Close your eyes if that feels comfortable to you.
Imagine yourself walking down a dense forest path, surrounded by tall trees on either side. The rustling of leaves and chirping of birds create a calming atmosphere that surrounds you.
As you walk deeper into the forest, you see an old temple in the distance. You head towards it and as you near, you notice a huge entrance. You step inside and find yourself in a prehistoric era!
The temple walls are decorated with lifelike paintings of fearsome dinosaurs, some of which are bigger than anything you've ever seen. Your heart races with excitement as you walk towards the painting of a gigantic T-Rex.
As you stand in front of the painting, you close your eyes and imagine a time when these creatures roamed the earth. You hear the sound of their footsteps and the noise of leaves crunching under their feet.
You open your eyes and see a Diplodocus calmly grazing near you, its long neck towering above you. You feel a mix of awe and fear, and take a step back.
Suddenly, the ground starts shaking as a herd of Triceratops passes by, their sharp horns glistening in the sun. You watch in amazement as these magnificent beasts keep marching on.
As you turn around to leave, a tiny Compsognathus comes from behind a bush and scurries ahead. You follow it, curious as to where it will lead you. It takes you to a clearing, where a Pterodactyl swoops overhead, dipping and gliding.
You take it all in, leaving the past behind as you walk back to the present, filled with wonder at these magical and monstrous creatures.
One deep breath, and you're back in the present. Shake off the journey and slowly open your eyes.
How was the journey for you?
What did you see, hear, or smell on your fantasy trip?
What else did you notice?
