Copy the Statue by Touch

In pairs, one child makes a statue pose and the other, eyes closed, explores it with their hands to copy it. It builds body awareness through touch, placement of body parts and trust.

How to play

1. The teacher makes a simple statue (one arm up) and a child, eyes closed, feels it and copies it (2 min).
2. In pairs, the sculptor makes an easy statue and the copier feels it with eyes closed (3 min).
3. The copier strikes the same pose, opens their eyes and they compare: “Are we twins?” (1 min).
4. Switch roles (3 min).
5. Harder statues: sitting, one leg bent or hands on head (3 min).

Rules

• Touch arms, legs, shoulders and hands, gently, not faces.
• The statue stays still until the copier is done.
• The copier can open their eyes if they need to.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: it's their natural way to explore; they can be the sculptor guiding the other's hands.
• Autism or touch aversion: the child can copy by looking and touch only sleeves and pant legs.
• Limited mobility: statues use whatever the child can move, such as only arms and head.

Learning goals

• Recognize body positions by touch.
• Reproduce a pose with your own body.
• Touch a partner with care and trust.

Teacher tip

Pair up kids who get along well the first time. The usual mistake is statues that are impossible to hold: ask for “comfy statues.”

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