Cardboard Tube Back Roll

In pairs, one child lies down while the other slowly rolls a cardboard tube over their back, arms and legs like a rolling pin. It builds relaxation, body awareness and gentle care for a partner.

How to play

1. In pairs, one child lies face down on a mat and the other kneels beside them holding a cardboard tube (1 min).
2. With soft music on, the partner asks "Can I roll you?" and slowly rolls the tube down the back, shoulders to bottom, like a rolling pin smoothing dough (1 min).
3. Next, roll it along the arms and legs, always slow and without pressing (1 min).
4. Switch: the child who was lying down now rolls the tube for their partner in the same order (2 min).
5. Both lie on their backs, close their eyes, and listen until the music fades out (1 min).

Rules

• Slow and no pressing.
• The tube never goes on the head or face.
• If my friend says "stop," I stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism or touch sensitivity: the child can choose to only give the roll, or receive it over a blanket.
• Limited mobility: seated in the wheelchair, the child receives the roll on the arms and upper back.
• Visual impairment: at first an adult guides the child's hand along the partner's back so they can feel the path from shoulders to bottom.

Learning goals

• Calm down after active play.
• Care for a partner with gentle movements.
• Notice sensations in one's own body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardboard tubes: 13
• Mats: 13
• Music

Teacher tip

Paper towel tubes hold up better than toilet paper tubes. Model the move first on an adult's back or a stuffed animal, since the usual mistake is pressing hard or going too fast.

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