A Fan Breeze for My Friend

In pairs, one child rests sitting or lying down while the other gives a gentle breeze with a paper fan, breathing in time with it. It builds relaxation through the skin and calm care for a partner.

How to play

1. Hand out pre-folded paper fans and try the breeze on our own face (1 min).
2. In pairs, one child rests sitting or lying down, eyes closed if they want; the other fans gently over face, arms and feet (2 min).
3. The resting child breathes with the fan: breathe in as it goes up, breathe out as it comes down (1 min).
4. Switch roles (1 min).
5. Everyone fans the teacher very slowly, slower and slower, until all the fans are still (1 min).

Rules

• The fan only makes a breeze; it never touches.
• I fan slowly, like an evening wind.
• If my friend says stop, I stop.
• We talk quietly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rest in the wheelchair or on a supported cushion; a child who can't hold the fan can have it tied to the wrist or make the breeze by blowing.
• Blind or low vision: the breeze is felt without seeing; the partner quietly says where the air is going.
• Autism or sensory sensitivity: the child can fan themselves or ask for the breeze on hands only; teach a hand sign for stop.

Learning goals

• Lower heart rate and breathing after play.
• Notice sensations on the skin.
• Care for a partner with gentle actions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• paper fans: 25

Teacher tip

Fold the fans before the session, or have children decorate them another day: folding them during cool-down eats all your time. Remind them the fan doesn't touch, since the classic mistake is tapping noses.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary