Through guided imagery and gentle role play, children explore imagination while practising listening, stillness and sharing ideas in a supportive environment.
1. Introduce The Dream Tree
Tell the children that you are going to take them on an imaginary journey to a forest.
Describe walking together until they come across something very special called The Dream Tree.
2. Describe the tree
Invite the children to help describe the tree. Ask questions such as what it looks like, how big it is, what colour the leaves are and whether it looks magical.
3. Fall asleep by the tree
Explain that The Dream Tree is a magical tree and that when you get too close to its branches, it sends you into a deep sleep.
Ask the children to slowly approach the tree and gently fall into a deep sleep beneath it.
4. Share your dreams with the group
Walk around the room and lightly tap one child on the shoulder. When tapped, that child should sit up quietly and tell you about the dream they are having, while everyone else remains asleep.
After sharing, the child gently returns to sleep. Continue tapping different children, so each has a chance to share a dream.
This game works best when the pace is slow and the atmosphere is peaceful. Encourage descriptive but gentle storytelling rather than performance. Some children may prefer very short responses, which is perfectly fine. This activity is particularly effective for calming a group and allowing quieter children space to share without pressure.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
