Ironing the Crumpled Sheet

Each child slowly smooths out a crumpled newspaper sheet with their hands until it's flat, then "irons" a partner's back with the same gentle motion. Children work on calming down, using gentle hands and respectful touch.

How to play

1. Everyone crumples their sheet into a ball: that's how we feel when we're all wound up (1 min).
2. Sitting down, slowly open the ball without tearing it (1 min).
3. Iron the sheet against the floor with your palms, from the middle outward, to soft music (2 min).
4. In pairs, one lies on their tummy and the other irons their back just as gently, from head to feet (2 min).
5. Switch, and finish with everyone lying down, flat as an ironed sheet (1 min).

Rules

• The iron goes slowly and never burns: gentle hands.
• Ask your partner, "Can I iron you?"
• If your partner says no, iron your own sheet instead.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: iron the sheet on the wheelchair tray and receive ironing on shoulders and arms while seated.
• Autism or dislike of touch: iron yourself, or iron using the newspaper sheet without direct contact.
• Visual impairment: the teacher guides the child's hands at first to feel the sheet go from crumpled to smooth.

Learning goals

• Move from an excited state to a calm one.
• Control hand pressure when touching.
• Ask permission and respect others' boundaries.

Equipment for a class of 25

• newspaper sheets: 25
• music

Teacher tip

The crumpled-versus-ironed image helps children talk about how they feel: "Are you crumpled or ironed right now?" If the sheet tears when opened, iron the pieces anyway.

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