Ironing a Back with a Scarf

In pairs, one child lies face down and the other gently “irons” their back with a folded scarf, then fans a breeze over them. It brings the group back to calm through gentle touch and caring for a classmate.

How to play

1. The teacher demonstrates ironing with a child: folded scarf in hand, sliding it slowly over the back and arms without pressing (1 min).
2. In pairs, one lies face down and the other irons their back, arms and legs as if smoothing a wrinkled shirt (1 min).
3. Now the laundry dries: the ironer waves the scarf above their partner to make a gentle breeze without touching (1 min).
4. Switch: the child who was lying down now irons and fans the other (2 min).
5. Sit face to face and say thank you with a hug or a scarf bump (1 min).

Rules

• Iron slowly without pressing.
• If your partner says “stop,” you stop.
• Heads and faces don't get ironed.
• While you're being ironed, stay still and calm.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child is ironed while seated, on the arms and on the back leaning forward onto a cushion.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: the child can receive only the breeze with no contact, or iron a stuffed animal.
• Hearing impairment: agree on a gesture for “stop” (raised hand) before starting.

Learning goals

• Relax the body after activity.
• Give and receive gentle, respectful touch.
• Ask about and respect a partner's limits.

Equipment for a class of 25

• fabric scarves: 13
• soft music

Teacher tip

Before starting, have each pair ask “Can I iron you?”: asking permission is part of the activity. Play soft music and lower your voice to set the mood.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary