Warm Hands Over My Eyes

Lying or sitting, children rub their hands until they feel warm and rest them on their eyes, cheeks and tummy, feeling the warmth help them relax. It builds temperature awareness, breathing and calming down.

How to play

1. Sit cross-legged with the music low and take three breaths (1 min).
2. Rub your hands slowly, then faster, counting to ten (1 min).
3. Place your warm palms over your closed eyes and notice the dark and the warmth (1 min).
4. Rub again and carry the warmth to your cheeks, ears and tummy (2 min).
5. Lie down with hands on your tummy and feel it rise and fall until the music ends (1 min).

Rules

• Touch only your own face.
• Cover your eyes without pressing.
• While the music plays, no talking.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited arm mobility: an adult or buddy brings their warm hands to the child's forearm if welcome.
• Autism: let the child keep eyes open if covering them is uncomfortable, and give warning before the music ends.
• Hearing loss: replace the music with dim lights or the teacher's breathing gesture.

Learning goals

• Feel the warmth of your own hands.
• Breathe slowly and relax.
• End class calmly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Calm music

Teacher tip

Wash hands first: they'll be touching eyes. Dim the lights if you can; calm arrives much sooner.

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