Tucking the Balls into Bed

Sitting on the floor, children guide their ball to bed (a hoop) with very gentle foot taps and carefully pass it to a friend to tuck it in. It builds calm and soft striking.

How to play

1. Sit in a circle with calm music, the ball resting between your feet (1 min).
2. Rock it from one foot to the other, like a cradle (1 min).
3. With a very soft tap, roll it to the friend next to you (2 min).
4. The last tiny tap takes it to bed, the hoop in the middle (1 min).
5. Say goodnight and close your eyes for a moment (1 min).

Rules

• Very soft taps, as if the ball were sleeping.
• I pass the ball to my friend, no throwing.
• I wait for it to arrive without grabbing it.
• I talk softly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: push with a hand from the wheelchair and the circle moves closer.
• Visual impairment: a ball with a bell, and the friend says their name when passing.
• Autism: a fixed seat in the circle, next to the teacher.

Learning goals

• Lower arousal after the session.
• Kick the ball with minimal force.
• Take care of a friend and the ball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Hoops: 6
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Whisper from the start and they'll copy you. Let each child give their own ball the last tap so everyone finishes the same way.

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