Partner-Guided Beanbag Body Scan
In pairs, one student lies down with eyes closed while the other gently places a small beanbag on different body parts, where the lying student sends their attention and lets tension go. It builds body awareness, relaxation and trust in a partner.
How to play
- Form pairs and hand out one yoga mat and one small beanbag per pair; student A lies on their back and student B kneels beside them (1 min).
- Set order: feet, knees, hands and shoulders (right, then left), belly and forehead.
- B gently rests the beanbag on the first spot and leaves it there for three of A's breaths; A pictures that body part getting heavy and soft.
- B lifts the beanbag and moves it to the next spot; you set the pace by saying 'switch' about every 15 seconds (3 min).
- After the forehead, B leaves the beanbag on A's belly for 30 seconds so A can feel it rise and fall.
- Switch roles: B lies down and A guides the same sequence (3 min).
- Pair wrap-up: each student tells their partner which spot felt the tightest and which felt the most relaxed.
Rules
- The beanbag is only rested, never dropped or pressed down.
- Never place the beanbag on the face, neck or private areas; the forehead is the only spot on the head.
- If someone doesn't want contact, they can ask for the beanbag on hands and feet only.
Variations
Easier
Use only five spots (feet, hands and belly) with 10 seconds each.
Standard
Go through all ten spots with three breaths on each.
Harder
The guide chooses the order and the lying student guesses, eyes closed, where the beanbag is before relaxing that spot.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility do it seated, with the beanbag on hands, forearms, shoulders and thighs.
- For students with visual impairments, the guide quietly names each spot before placing the beanbag to avoid startling them.
- For students with autism or anyone who dislikes touch, they can place the beanbag on themselves following your cues.
Learning goals
- Direct attention to different body parts and release tension there.
- Guide a partner with care and respect.
- Identify where in the body tension tends to build up.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 13
- yoga mats: 13
Teacher tip
Model with one pair first how to rest the beanbag so everyone sees the gentleness you expect; if a pair starts giggling, guide them quietly for a few seconds yourself.
PatioLab has "Partner-Guided Beanbag Body Scan" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More cool-downs for Middle School
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8, to calm the class at the end of the lesson.
5-5-5 Breathing with Visualization
A breathing technique where students inhale, hold and exhale for five counts each while picturing a peaceful place.
5-Minute Breathing Mindfulness
A short, teacher-guided mindfulness practice focused on the breath and body sensations.
5-Senses Mindfulness
Using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, students calmly notice 5 things they can see, 4 they can hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they can smell and 1 they can taste.
90/90 Hip Switches
A floor sequence based on the 90/90 position, with one leg in front and the other to the side, both bent at right angles, to stretch the glutes and hip rotators.
Agonist-Antagonist Stretch Match
In pairs, one student performs and names a stretch and the partner must answer with a stretch for the opposing muscle; then both hold both stretches.