Sitting Quietly
Cool-down Song
This is a beautiful song, based on the traditional folk tune ‘Ye Banks and Braes’, and can be sung to a key worker group, whole nursery or single child. The main aim of the song is to help children to calm down and gather their thoughts after a busy day at nursery.
Similar to lullabies, cool-down songs are great for restoring peace and calm after an exciting session or day in the nursery. They also provide a good opportunity to let children listen rather than actively participate, and to have some quiet time to themselves to reflect on the day, and process their experiences.
AREAS OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
– Managing Feelings & Behaviour
Communication and Language
– Listening & Attention
– Understanding
RESOURCES
– A space big enough for the children to lie down
– A drawstring bag full of cuddly toys
SONG WORDS
Sitting quietly, sitting so quietly
Sitting here so comfortably
Sitting quietly, sitting so quietly
Sitting here so comfortably
We’ve sung some songs and danced some dances
We’ve played together and had some fun
But now we’re sitting, sitting so quietly
Sitting here so comfortably.
15-1 Sitting Quietly - Full Song
How to...
Step by step
1.Pass the drawstring bag round the circle and let each child pick a cuddly toy;
3.Start singing the song, but do not insist that the children join in, as this is free time for them to relax. If they want to join in, they will do so.
2.Encourage the children to sit or lie comfortably in the space with their toy;
Extension & Development
1.As an exercise in vocabulary, suggest that the children contribute alternative words to create an extra verse. For instance, instead of sitting, you could change the words to rocking, and they could rock their soft toys gently on their knees as you sing.
Aspects
Early Learning Goals
Activity Contribution to Goals
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Managing feelings and behaviour
1. Children talk about how they and others show feelings, talk about their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, and know that some behvaiour is unacceptable.
2. They work as part of a group or class, and understand and follow the rules.
3. They adjust their behaviour to different situations, and take changes of routine in their stride.
Children are encouraged to be peaceful and still;
Children are encouraged to understand that this is a cool-down activity and subsequently, they must respect each other’s space and need for quiet.
Communication and Language
Listening and attention
1. Children listen attentively in a range of situations.
2. They listen to stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions.
3. They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.
Children are actively encouraged to listen to the song and focus on feeling calm.
Communication and Language
Understanding
1. Chilren follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.
2. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.
The purpose of the exercise is explained and gently reiterated if their behaviour suggests they don’t understand.