Gentle Rain on the Circle's Backs

Sitting in a circle all facing the same way, each child makes gentle rain on the back of the friend in front, following a made-up rhyme. It builds relaxation, respectful touch, and calming down as a group.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, turn a quarter turn so we're looking at the back of the friend in front, all facing the same way (1 min).
2. Before starting, ask the friend in front "Can I make rain on your back?" and wait for a yes (1 min).
3. With the rhyme "Little raindrops falling slow, gentle rain begins to flow; wind is blowing, here's the sun, warm and cozy, rain is done!", make drops with fingertips, rain with palms, wind with a flat hand, and sun with still hands (2 min).
4. Turn to face the other way and give the rain back to the friend who made it for you (2 min).
5. Thank both friends and stretch slowly like after a nap (1 min).

Rules

• Ask before touching.
• The rain is gentle: never hitting.
• Only on the back, never on the head or neck.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: if a child in a wheelchair can't turn, classmates make rain on their arms and they make rain on a classmate's hands.
• Autism: the child can say "no" and make rain on their own legs; we always respect the answer.
• Visual impairment: describe each gesture before doing it so the child knows what they'll feel.

Learning goals

• Relax with gentle touch and the rhythm of the rhyme.
• Respect others' bodies by asking first.
• Calm down together as a group.

Teacher tip

Practice the rain on your own arm first so they see how gentle it is. If a child says no, thank them and they make rain in the air: "no" is a correct answer too.

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