Hedgehog Massage With a Partner

In pairs, one child lies down and the other gives a massage with a spiky ball while they recite a made-up chant about a hedgehog going for a walk. It builds calm, care for a partner and tactile awareness.

How to play

1. Sitting in pairs, learn the chant: “Hedgehog, hedgehog, out for a stroll, up the back and down the arms you roll” (1 min).
2. One child lies tummy-down and the other slowly walks the hedgehog along their back while we say the chant (2 min).
3. The hedgehog walks down the arms to the hands and back up; the child lying down says “softer” or “I like that” (1 min).
4. Switch roles and do it all again (1 min).
5. To say goodbye, thank your partner and put the sleeping hedgehogs back in the basket (1 min).

Rules

• The hedgehog moves slowly, no pressing.
• Listen to your friend: if they say “stop,” we stop.
• No head or face: just back, arms and legs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Tactile sensitivity or autism: use a smooth ball or massage over a towel, and let the child be only the giver if preferred.
• Limited mobility: receive the massage seated in the wheelchair, on the back and arms.
• Hearing impairment: pair the chant with gestures, and the partner taps the shoulder to signal the switch.

Learning goals

• Calm down with pleasant touch.
• Care for a partner by adjusting pressure.
• Say which sensations feel good and which don't.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Spiky sensory balls: 13
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Show the pressure on your own hand: “This soft, like the hedgehog is sleepy.” A common mistake is rubbing fast, so ask the hedgehog to “walk,” not “run.”

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary