A small safe space. A real leaf or picture is optional.
What to Say
“Imagine you are a leaf floating in the air.”
“The wind is becoming gentler.”
“How slowly can your leaf travel?”
“Find a comfortable place to land.”
What to Do
STEP 1 Begin standing, sitting or holding a stable support.
STEP 2 Move hands, arms or the whole body like a leaf in the wind.
STEP 3 Gradually make the movement smaller and slower.
STEP 4 Choose a safe landing: standing still, sitting or curling comfortably.
STEP 5 Pause to notice where the body touches the floor, chair or cushion.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Become another leaf and move alongside your child. Let the child decide when the wind becomes gentle.
One-Minute Version
Make three floating hand movements and slowly place both hands in your lap as the leaf “lands”.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Let your child control the imaginary wind, move only a hand, drop a paper leaf or watch you.
Make It Your Own
Use a fully seated version.
Land on a chair or remain standing.
Use a scarf only with close supervision, or replace it with paper.
For outdoors, watch a real leaf before moving.
Your child may gradually reduce speed, repeat the floating motion, choose a creative landing or notice contact with a surface.
Clear the space and avoid spinning quickly, jumping or dropping heavily to the floor. Do not cover the face with fabric. Support balance and adapt the landing to the child’s mobility.
The Falling Leaf, LITTLE MINDS, BIG FOCUS Teacher Training Materials and Activity Collection.
