Sculpting With My Eyes Closed
In groups of three, a statue holds still, a sculptor with eyes closed asks permission and touches the statue to discover its pose, then copies it onto a third classmate who is the “clay.” It builds body awareness through touch, trust, and respectful contact.
How to play
- The teacher demonstrates with two children: the statue strikes a pose; the sculptor asks, “Can I touch you?”, closes their eyes, and slowly feels the arms and legs (2 min).
- In pairs, eyes open first: one is the statue and the other copies the pose on their own body by looking (2 min).
- Now with eyes closed: the sculptor asks permission, touches the statue, and copies the pose with their own body; then they open their eyes and compare (3 min).
- In groups of three: the sculptor touches the statue with eyes closed and shapes the third child, the “clay,” who lets themselves be moved (3 min).
- Rotate roles until all three have been statue, sculptor, and clay, then switch groups at the end (3 min).
- Art show: statues and their copies stand side by side and everyone strolls by, looking without touching (1 min).
Rules
- I ask “Can I touch you?” before touching.
- I touch slowly, with a soft open hand.
- We don't touch faces.
- If the statue says “No,” I copy just by looking.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, copy by looking only, with very simple poses (arms up, one leg bent).
Standard
For 4-year-olds, copy with eyes closed, touching arms only.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the full trio of statue, sculptor, and clay, with poses using arms and legs.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: this game is a great fit; the child can be the sculptor from the start and tell others what they feel.
- Autism: the child may choose to always be the sculptor or the clay; if they don't want to be touched, they copy by looking.
- Limited mobility: the child makes statues with arms, upper body, and head, and the sculptor copies those parts.
Learning goals
- Recognize poses through touch.
- Ask permission and respect the answer.
- Trust a partner with eyes closed.
Teacher tip
Give the instructions very slowly using your own body: “Open hand, like you're touching a butterfly.” If someone squeezes or tickles, switch them to copying by looking and let them try again later.
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