Gentle Rain on My Balloon

Sitting or lying down with a balloon, children tap it with their fingertips more and more softly, like rain that's slowly stopping. It helps them relax and fine-tune finger pressure.

How to play

1. Sit with the balloon in your lap and take three deep breaths (1 min).
2. Heavy rain: tap the balloon with all your fingers (1 min).
3. Light drizzle: tap with just one finger, very softly (1 min).
4. Lie down with the balloon on your tummy and watch it rise and fall as you breathe (1 min).
5. The rain has stopped: hug your balloon and stay quiet (1 min).

Rules

• I touch my balloon very gently, no squeezing.
• I whisper or stay quiet.
• My balloon stays with me.
• If it rolls away, I get it slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: hold the balloon in the lap or on the wheelchair tray.
• Hearing loss: the teacher shows hard and soft rain with hand gestures.
• Fear of balloons popping: use a soft ball or a cushion instead.

Learning goals

• Calm down after activity.
• Grade finger pressure.
• Become aware of breathing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Balloons: 25
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Check that no balloon is overinflated: a pop in the middle of the calm is very startling. Collect the balloons at the end instead of leaving them on the floor.

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