The Sponge Bath Pretend

In pairs, one child lies down and the other gives them a pretend bath, gliding a dry sponge over arms, legs and back slowly while calm music plays. It builds relaxation, gentle tactile awareness and caring for a partner.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how to give a doll a pretend bath: arms, legs and back, nice and slow (1 min).
2. In pairs, one lies face down; the other “soaps” their back with the sponge in circles (2 min).
3. They “rinse” arms and legs with long strokes from top to bottom (1 min).
4. Switch roles (2 min).
5. Both lie down, “dry off” in the pretend sun and breathe calmly (1 min).

Rules

• The sponge moves slowly without pressing.
• No washing faces or heads.
• If your friend says “stop,” stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Touch aversion or autism: the child bathes a doll or uses the sponge on themselves.
• Limited mobility: the child stays in their wheelchair and the partner sponges their arms and back.
• Hearing loss: the teacher shows each body part change with a picture or by pointing to their own body.

Learning goals

• Relax with gentle touch.
• Take care of a partner with gentleness.
• Name body parts as they're touched.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Dry bath sponges: 13
• Calm music

Teacher tip

One sponge per pair, washed afterward. With a new group, start with the doll: it breaks the ice and teaches the right pressure.

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