Kneading Bread on the Bench

In pairs, one child lies face down on the bench, the baker's table, and the other kneads their back by rolling a soft ball like a rolling pin. It builds relaxation, respectful touch and caring for a classmate.

How to play

1. We pair up: one is the dough and lies face down on the bench; the other is the baker and takes a soft ball (1 min).
2. The baker asks, "Can I knead you?" and, if the dough says yes, slowly rolls the ball down the back from top to bottom (1 min).
3. We knead the arms and legs by rolling the ball, without pressing hard (1 min).
4. We sprinkle flour with raindrop fingers on the back and put the bread in the oven with a gentle pat (1 min).
5. We switch: the dough becomes the baker and we do it all again calmly (2 min).

Rules

• Ask before you knead.
• The ball rolls on the back, arms and legs, never on the head.
• If the dough says "stop," the baker stops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they're the baker from the wheelchair, or get kneaded sitting up, on the arms and back.
• Autism: they can choose to be only the baker, or have an adult knead with firm pressure if they find it pleasant.
• Visual impairment: the baker first runs a hand along their partner's back before starting with the ball.

Learning goals

• Relax after exercise.
• Ask permission and respect a partner's limits.
• Control the force of the hands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• banco sueco: 4
• pelotas de gomaespuma: 12
• colchonetas: 4

Teacher tip

Practice first on your own back or on a stuffed animal. The usual mistake is pressing or bouncing the ball, so say "Bread is kneaded slowly or it won't rise."

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