Sleeping on the Night Train

After the trip, the class boards a night train and lies down in their bunks; classmates make the train's rocking by rolling a soft ball along their back. It builds relaxation, calm breathing and caring for others.

How to play

1. Board the night train, find your bunk and lie on your tummy with your head on your hands while soft music plays (1 min).
2. The train pulls out: rock very gently side to side and breathe slowly, like a faraway “choo… choo…” (1 min).
3. In pairs, one stays lying down and the other is the conductor rolling a soft ball along their back to make the tracks: from shoulders to feet, slowly (2 min).
4. Switch: the passenger becomes the conductor (1 min).
5. The sun comes up and the train reaches the station: stretch like waking up, sit up and whisper good morning (1 min).

Rules

• On the night train we whisper.
• Roll the ball gently, no pressing.
• If someone doesn't like it, we make tracks in the air without touching.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child rests in whatever position is comfortable, including sitting in the wheelchair, and gets the ball on shoulders and arms.
• Autism: the child can rest with their own stuffed animal or blanket and choose not to be touched.
• Hearing impairment: signal changes with a gentle tap on the shoulder.

Learning goals

• Calm down at the end of the session.
• Breathe slowly and relax the body.
• Touch a classmate with care and respect.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 13
• Soft music

Teacher tip

Dim the lights if you can and start the music before they come in. Always ask passengers whether they want the ball: learning to say “yes” or “no” to touch is part of the game.

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