Resting in a Sea of Balls
Taking calm turns, children lie on a mat while classmates cover their legs and tummy with ball pit balls like a sea, feeling the light weight and breathing slowly. It helps them cool down and tune in to their bodies.
How to play
- With soft music, spread the balls over the mats and explain that today we'll float in a sea of balls (1 min).
- Groups of 4: one child lies face-up and the others slowly cover their feet, legs and tummy with balls (1 min).
- The child lying down closes their eyes and breathes: the tummy rises and the balls move like waves (1 min).
- Switch until everyone in the group has lain in the sea (2 min).
- Sit up, put the balls back in the box one by one and stretch (1 min).
Rules
- Place the balls gently; don't drop them from up high.
- The face always stays uncovered.
- Use fish voices: very quiet.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, cover only feet and legs, with the teacher helping each group.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, cover legs and tummy and watch how the balls move with each breath.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the child lying down tries to keep everything still except the tummy and guesses, eyes closed, which part is being covered.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: cover the lap and legs with balls while the child sits in the wheelchair or with support.
- Autism or sensory sensitivity: let the child choose how many balls and take only the role of the one who covers.
- Visual impairment: say each body part before placing the balls and describe the “sea.”
Learning goals
- Relax while feeling a light weight on the body.
- Notice breathing through the movement of the balls.
- Care for a classmate with gentle touch.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Ball pit balls: 150
- Mats: 6
- Calm music
Teacher tip
If you set up the ball pit earlier in the session, use the same balls. Make sure no one covers their own face or anyone else's, even in play.
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