River Stones Relaxation
In pairs, one student lies down as a riverbed and their partner carefully places bean bags, like river stones, on different parts of their body. Feeling the weight helps each area relax and teaches students to care for a partner gently.
How to play
- Make pairs with one mat and 5 bean bags each; one partner lies on their back with eyes closed and the other sits beside them (1 min).
- The partner slowly places a stone in each open hand; the student lying down feels the weight and lets the hand go soft (30 sec).
- Next, they place one on each ankle and the last one on the belly, which rises and falls with breathing (1 min).
- The student lying down breathes slowly for 1 minute, trying to make the belly stone move slowly and smoothly.
- The partner removes the stones one at a time in reverse order, giving a light tap before each one (30 sec).
- Switch roles and repeat the whole thing (3 min); finish with 30 seconds sitting quietly, sharing which body part relaxed most.
Rules
- Bean bags are placed, never dropped or tossed.
- No bean bags on the face, neck, or chest.
- If a bean bag bothers the student lying down, they raise a finger and it's removed.
- Work in silence so other pairs can stay relaxed.
Variations
Easier
Use just two bean bags, one in each hand, with eyes open.
Standard
Five bean bags on hands, ankles, and belly, with slow breathing.
Harder
With eyes closed, the student lying down guesses where each stone is placed before the partner says it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can receive the stones seated, on hands, thighs, and shoulders.
- Autism or touch sensitivity: many students with autism enjoy the pressure of weight, but ask first and let them place the bean bags themselves.
- Shy students: let the student choose a trusted partner.
Learning goals
- Relax different body parts by focusing on the feeling of weight.
- Become aware of belly breathing.
- Care for a partner by handling equipment gently.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bean bags: 65
- mats: 13
Teacher tip
Check that the bean bags are sealed before class. Walk among the pairs quietly and use gestures to correct anyone placing stones too quickly.
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