Music can soothe children and provide them with a change of pace. Since you won't be speaking, preschoolers will be able to fully concentrate on the music and calm themselves down. Music with lyrics or strong beats may agitate children, so use instrumental lullabies or nature sounds such as whale calls or rain forest sounds. Turn the lights down and ask children to lie down with their eyes closed while the music plays. Play the music for one to two minutes or until all children have stilled their bodies.
If you're transitioning from a movement activity such as recess into a quiet activity, it will be difficult for children to suddenly shift from running around to sitting quietly. Stretching exercises allow children to keep moving, but at a slower pace that will help prepare them for the transition. Do some simple stretches, such as touching your toes and reaching to the sky. You may also print cards with simple yoga poses on them. Pull out a card, demonstrate the pose, and ask children to hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.
When children are trying to listen for a particular sound, they may be consumed by this task and forget about any other distractions. Being quiet may also trick their bodies into feeling calm. Ask all children to be as quiet as they can and listen for noises. If you're outdoors, they may hear wind, animals or cars. Indoors, they may hear phones ringing in the distance or footsteps in the hall. After a minute of listening, whisper to children to ask what they heard. Ask them to whisper their responses back to you.
For particularly antsy children or those preschoolers who require additional sensory input, physical touch or pressure can be effective at calming them down. Even children without any sensory issues enjoy these activities. Ask children to lie down on their stomachs with their eyes closed. Walk around the room, rolling a large ball over all the children. Push down on it slightly so children feel slight pressure when the ball moves over them. You may also press a throw pillow down onto their backs or legs. Encourage children to be still by explaining that you won't visit any children who are squirming or making noise.