This poem was written as a progressive relaxation for relaxing the face. Preschoolers and toddlers can listen to an adult read it and perform the actions included as it is read. Tell children to pretend like there is a butterfly on their nose and to listen carefully.

The Butterfly on My Nose

There’s a butterfly on my nose, oh no!
It tickles and flutters, makes me wrinkle it so!
I wiggle and wiggle and wiggle my nose
And up, up and away it goes!

Whew, I relax my face
And watch the butterfly dance, swirl around the place
I breathe real deep and watch it go,
I breathe real deep and relax just so.

Uh oh, there’s a butterfly on my nose once again.
I squint with my eyes and scrunch my forehead
Ah, there it flies away again.
I relax my eyes and my forehead.

Whew, I relax my face
And watch the butterfly dance, swirl around the place
I breathe real deep and watch it go,
I breathe real deep and relax just so.

Oh no, there’s a butterfly on my nose!!!!!
How did it get there and rest so close?
I smile real big, make my cheeks spread out
Away it dances and floats about.

Whew, I relax my face
And watch the butterfly dance, swirl around the place
I breathe real deep and watch it go,
I breathe real deep and relax just so.

My face feels relaxed, the wrinkles are smoothed out.
As I watch the pretty butterfly, I calm me down.
I rest my eyes, my forehead and cheeks,
My mouth, my nose, and even my teeth!

My face is smooth, the wrinkles are gone.
I’m ready to listen and learn, my ears are turned on.