Secret Drawings on My Back
In pairs, one child draws a simple shape with a finger on the other's back (a circle, a line, a sun, a house) and the partner guesses it and draws it in the air. It builds tactile perception, attention and calm.
How to play
- Sitting on the floor, the teacher draws the game's shapes in the air: circle, line, cross and sun (1 min).
- In pairs, one sits behind the other; the back partner “erases” the board with a palm from top to bottom (1 min).
- They slowly draw a shape with a finger, and the front partner draws it in the air and names it (2 min).
- Switch roles (2 min).
- To finish, the back partner makes soft finger rain while the front partner closes their eyes and breathes (1 min).
Rules
- Draw with one finger, slowly and without pressing.
- Erase the board with your hand before each drawing.
- Use quiet voices.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only a circle and a line, and the teacher also draws the shapes on the floor to point to.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, four shapes and answer by drawing in the air.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, two-stroke drawings (a house, a sun with rays) or numbers 1 to 3.
Adaptations
- Touch aversion or autism: draw on the palm of the hand or over a towel folded on the back.
- Visual impairment: very accessible; let the child feel foam shapes beforehand.
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair can receive the drawing on the forearm or back of the hand.
Learning goals
- Recognize shapes drawn on the skin.
- Keep attention on a single sensation.
- Relax with gentle, respectful touch.
Teacher tip
Always ask first: “Can I draw on your back?” Keep shapes big and slow; small fast ones are impossible to guess and calm turns into frustration.
PatioLab has "Secret Drawings on My Back" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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