Blanket Burritos

In pairs with adult help, one child lies at the edge of a blanket and rolls slowly to wrap up in it like a burrito, head always out, then unrolls. The gentle pressure of the blanket helps them relax after rolling and falling.

How to play

1. Spread the blankets on the mats, and the teacher rolls up first to demonstrate (1 min).
2. The child lies on their side at the edge of the blanket with shoulders out and rolls slowly to wrap up (1 min).
3. Now it's a burrito: the partner adds "fillings" with gentle pats on the blanket: beans, cheese, lettuce (2 min).
4. The burrito unrolls very slowly the other way (1 min).
5. Switch roles for a quick round, or rest lying on top of the blanket (1 min).

Rules

• Head always outside the blanket.
• Pats are gentle, like rain.
• If someone says "out," they unroll right away.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tuck the blanket over like a comforter instead of rolling, and pat on top.
• Autism: many kids love the pressure; let the child choose how many wraps, with an adult as partner if preferred.
• Visual impairment: the partner names the filling before each pat.

Learning goals

• Relax the body after intense activity.
• Roll slowly with control.
• Care for a partner with gentle touch.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large blankets or towels: 12
• Mats: 6

Teacher tip

Use light blankets and never cover the face; keep an eye on all the burritos at once. Do it on mats so unrolling is soft.

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