The Big Ball Gives Me a Gentle Squish

Lying tummy-down on mats, children feel the teacher slowly roll a giant exercise ball over their back and legs, like a steamroller ironing out the body. It brings calm through deep pressure and breathing.

How to play

1. With calm music, everyone lies tummy-down on the mats, head turned to the side on their hands (1 min).
2. The teacher explains that the big ball is going to iron out wrinkled clothes: first it just rests on each child's back without rolling, so they can get to know it (1 min).
3. The ball slowly rolls from feet to shoulders, pressing gently, while the others breathe out like balloons letting out air (3 min).
4. Five-year-olds in pairs: one gently rolls a medium ball along the other's back (1 min).
5. Roll over, stretch arms and legs and slowly sit up (1 min).

Rules

• If you don't want the ball, raise your hand and the ball will pass you by.
• The ball never goes over the head or neck.
• While you wait, breathe calmly with your eyes closed.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: deep pressure is often calming, but always ask first and respect a “no”; offer a weighted blanket or cushion instead.
• Limited mobility: if the child can't lie tummy-down, gently roll the ball over legs and arms while seated.
• Visual impairment: say the child's name before the ball touches them and describe where it is going.

Learning goals

• Relax the body through gentle pressure.
• Notice the body parts the ball passes over.
• Say whether they want more or less pressure.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Giant exercise ball: 2
• Mats: 6
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Lean in gently, not hard: the goal is a hug, not a massage. With a large group, use two balls and two adults so no one waits too long.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Elementary