My Wet Handprint Fades in the Sun

Sitting on the warm ground, kids press a wet handprint using a sponge and watch it slowly disappear while they breathe slowly. It helps them calm down after water play with focus and quiet breathing.

How to play

1. We sit in a circle in a spot with gentle sun; each child wets their palm by squeezing the sponge over it (1 min).
2. We press our hand onto the ground in front of us and look at it without touching (1 min).
3. As the print fades, we breathe: in through the nose and out very slowly, as if blowing on the print (1 min).
4. We make another print with the other hand, smaller or with just a finger, and guess which will vanish first (1 min).
5. When none are left, we place our cool hand on our forehead and chest, then walk slowly to the shade (1 min).

Rules

• I look at my print without touching it.
• I breathe slowly, no rush.
• I talk softly so I don't wake the sun.
• When the teacher stands up, I stand up slowly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: press the hand on a board or tray resting on the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: feel with the fingers as the print stops feeling cool and damp.
• Autism: if they don't want a wet hand, they can press the sponge straight onto the ground.

Learning goals

• Bring energy down after play.
• Practice slow, mindful breathing.
• Calmly notice a change in the surroundings.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large sponges: 12
• Shallow basin: 2

Teacher tip

Pick a rough patch of ground with mid-morning sun, not midday, and finish in the shade. Speak very softly first: your tone sets the tone for the whole group.

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