Where Is the Pea?

Using The Princess and the Pea, children lying down try to feel where a ball is hidden under their mat. It builds touch awareness, listening to their own bodies and relaxation.

How to play

1. The teacher tells how a princess felt a pea under a pile of mattresses. Today we're very sensitive princesses and princes (1 min).
2. In pairs: one lies face down with eyes closed while the other hides the pea ball under the mat, beneath the back, tummy or legs (1 min).
3. The child lying down moves very slowly, breathes deeply and feels where the pea is, then says or points without looking (2 min).
4. Swap roles and repeat (1 min).
5. Remove the peas and stay lying on a perfect bed, breathing calmly while the teacher says “Good night, princesses and princes” (1 min).

Rules

• Eyes closed, no peeking.
• The pea is hidden gently, no pressing.
• We speak softly, like in a sleeping palace.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: place the ball behind the back of the wheelchair or under an arm for the child to locate.
• Visual impairment: play the same way, using it to talk about sensations.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: use a very soft ball and let the child feel it first.

Learning goals

• Notice touch sensations on different body parts.
• Name body parts.
• Calm down after activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 10
• Tennis balls: 10

Teacher tip

Use thin mats, or they won't feel a thing. Dim the lights if you can: the sleeping-palace mood does half the work.

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