The Hedgehog Rolls Over Me
Each child has a spiky ball, the “hedgehog,” that rolls along their arms, legs and tummy to wake them up. It builds skin sensitivity, knowledge of body parts and a gentle warm-up.
How to play
- Sitting on the floor, meet the hedgehog: touch it with your palm and say how prickly it is, “just a little” (1 min).
- The hedgehog walks up one arm from wrist to shoulder and back, then the other arm (1 min).
- It goes down the legs, from knees to feet, and circles the sole of your bare foot (2 min).
- It makes circles on your tummy and climbs to your neck without touching your face (1 min).
- Standing, step on the hedgehog with one foot and roll it back and forth, then switch feet (2 min).
Rules
- The hedgehog rolls slowly; don't press hard.
- Use your own hedgehog on your own body.
- The hedgehog never goes in your mouth or on your face.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just arms, legs and feet, following the teacher one part at a time.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add tummy and back against the wall, and try rolling fast and slow.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, in pairs, one rolls the hedgehog on the other's back, asking “Softer or like this?”
Adaptations
- Touch sensitivity or autism: offer a smooth ball instead of a spiky one and let the child choose where to start.
- Limited mobility: the child rolls the ball over the parts they can reach, and an adult helps with feet if they want.
- Visual impairment: describe out loud where the hedgehog is going and guide their hand at first.
Learning goals
- Notice sensations on different areas of skin.
- Name and locate body parts.
- Warm up calmly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Spiky sensory balls: 25
- Calm music
Teacher tip
Wash the balls with soap and water afterward and have each child keep the same ball all session. The usual mistake is squashing it hard: model the pressure with your hand over theirs.
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