Finish a drama lesson with cool-down games and relaxation activities for children. These imaginative exercises offer a calm ending to energetic play.
Relaxation and closing activities for drama classes can help children calm their bodies, release tension and finish a session in a focused, positive way. These simple activities use imagination, movement, breathing and voice, and they need little or no equipment.
They work well at the end of a drama lesson, workshop or after energetic games. Relaxation can also support voice work by helping children release physical tension and become more aware of breathing, pace, pitch and projection.
1. Be a Waxwork
Minimum number of participants: 2
Resources needed: Clear space
Ask the children to imagine that they are waxworks in Madame Tussauds. Each child chooses a famous person and freezes in character. The leader walks around the room and tries to guess who each waxwork is. Once everyone has been identified, imagine that the museum becomes very warm and all the waxworks slowly begin to melt towards the floor.
2. Smoke in the Chimney
Minimum number of participants: 2
Resources needed: Clear space
Ask the children to imagine that they are smoke rising slowly from a chimney. They move gently through the space, allowing their bodies to undulate and stretch upwards. Gradually the smoke begins to disappear and the children allow their bodies to soften and relax.
3. Puppet on a String
Minimum number of participants: 2
Resources needed: Clear space
The children imagine that they are puppets with strings attached to different parts of their bodies. The leader calls out which string is being pulled: a shoulder, an elbow, a hand, a knee or even a foot. Their bodies respond as though someone above is controlling the strings. Finally, all the strings are cut and the children let their bodies relax completely.
4. Floating Tongue
Minimum number of participants: 1
Resources needed: Clear space
Ask the children to gently let their tongues rest forward without pressing against the teeth or mouth. Invite them to notice any tension in the jaw. They can slowly clench and then release the jaw, allowing the tongue and face to relax. Repeat several times, keeping the movement gentle.
5. Lion’s Roar
Minimum number of participants: 1
Resources needed: Clear space
Each child imagines that they are a mighty lion with a huge roar trapped inside. They stand tall, tense their face and hands, and prepare to let the roar escape. On a deep breath, they stretch their arms forward, open their hands and release a strong lion’s roar. Afterwards, encourage them to notice how their face, jaw and shoulders feel as they relax.
6. The Rock
Minimum number of participants: 1
Resources needed: Chairs
Each child sits comfortably with both feet on the floor and imagines that they are a rock resting beside the sea. Invite them to picture cool sea water moving around the rock and to imagine the sound of waves and distant seagulls. Encourage slow, gentle breathing. When they are ready, ask them to open their eyes gradually and briefly reflect on how the exercise felt.
7. Happy Place
Minimum number of participants: 1
Resources needed: Mats or a comfortable floor space
Ask the children to lie or sit comfortably and, if they wish, close their eyes. Invite them to imagine a place where they feel calm, happy and safe. Ask gentle prompts such as: What can you see? What can you hear? What colours are around you? What makes this place feel peaceful? Allow a little quiet time before gradually bringing their attention back to the room.
Using These Activities at the End of a Drama Session
You do not need to use all seven activities. Choose one that suits the energy of the group and the kind of session you have just completed. A very active class may benefit from slower breathing and imagery, while a quieter group may prefer a gentle movement-based activity.
You can also explore more Drama Games for Children and complete Drama Workshops for Children.
More Drama Resources
For more practical warm-ups, movement, mime, short plays and classroom drama ideas, browse the wider Drama Start collection.
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