The Road on My Back

In pairs, one child lies face down while the other uses a finger to draw a road on their back, with cars, curves, a crosswalk and rain; then they switch. It helps children relax through gentle touch and caring for a partner.

How to play

1. In pairs, one lies face down with their head on their hands and the other sits beside them. We ask: "Can I draw you a road?" (1 min).
2. With soft music, the teacher narrates and everyone draws: a long road from top to bottom with a finger, then gentle curves (1 min).
3. Little cars drive by (walking fingers), there's a crosswalk (small stripes), and a car stops at the light (press gently with the palm) (1 min).
4. It starts to rain (fingertip taps) and the sun comes out (both warm hands resting on the back) (1 min).
5. Switch roles and tell the story again, a bit faster (2 min).

Rules

• We ask before touching.
• We draw softly, like a feather.
• If our partner says "stop", we stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child who can't lie down gets the massage sitting, on the back or arm.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: the child can draw on a cushion or their own leg instead of receiving it.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher models the motions up front and the pair copies them.

Learning goals

• Relax through gentle touch.
• Care for and respect a partner's body.
• Wind down calmly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft music

Teacher tip

Show the right pressure on your own arm first. The usual mistake is a "car" that presses too hard: remind them that on this road, the cars tiptoe.

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