Hug Myself and Rock

Children hug themselves by crossing their arms over their chest, rock from side to side, and tap their shoulders one after the other like butterfly wings. It calms the body while crossing the midline.

How to play

1. Sitting cross-legged, put on soft music and close your eyes if you like (1 min).
2. Hug yourself with crossed arms: each hand finds the shoulder on the other side (1 min).
3. Rock slowly to one side and the other, like a little boat (1 min).
4. Tap your shoulders, one hand then the other, like butterfly wings (1 min).
5. Give yourself one last big squeeze, take a deep breath and open your eyes (1 min).

Rules

• Everyone hugs themselves.
• Rock slowly without tipping over.
• Taps are gentle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do it the same way, seated in the wheelchair.
• Autism: the child can hug a pillow or stuffed animal if crossing the arms feels uncomfortable.
• Hearing loss: the teacher sits facing the group and shows the tapping rhythm with gestures.

Learning goals

• Cross the midline calmly.
• Alternate both hands at a slow pace.
• Calm the body and emotions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft music

Teacher tip

It also works well after a conflict. Set the pace with your voice: "one... and the other...", very slowly.

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