The Ladybug Walks Up My Arm

In pairs, one child holds out an arm like a tree branch and the other walks a ladybug along it with two fingers, slowly, from hand to shoulder and back. It builds sensitivity to touch, focus and care for a partner.

How to play

1. Sit in pairs facing each other; one holds out an arm, palm up: it's the branch (1 min).
2. The ladybug, two of the partner's fingers, walks very slowly from the hand to the elbow and from the elbow to the shoulder (1 min).
3. It stops to rest on the hand and turns three little circles in the palm; then walks along the other arm (1 min).
4. Switch: the branch becomes the ladybug (1 min).
5. The ladybug flies away; we close our eyes and feel where it walked (1 min).

Rules

• The ladybug walks; it doesn't run or pinch.
• The branch stays still and calm.
• If it tickles and I don't like it, I say so.
• We whisper so we don't scare it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rest the arm on a table or cushion.
• Autism: they can walk the ladybug on a stuffed animal's arm or their own.
• Visual impairment: a great fit; tell them out loud where the ladybug will start.

Learning goals

• Sharpen their sense of light touch.
• Stay still and focused.
• Touch others respectfully.

Teacher tip

If you have a toy ladybug or a picture, show it at the start. Some kids are very ticklish: suggest the ladybug take firmer steps, which tickle less.

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