Weather on My Back
What you need
- a cushion or the sofa to lie on
How to do it
- Let your child lie on their tummy, and tell them you're going to make the weather on their back.
- Sunshine is big circles with a flat hand. Rain is tapping fingertips. Wind is long, slow strokes. Thunder is a gentle drum with your fists.
- Tell a weather story slowly, a sunny start, then wind, then rain, and let them guess each weather before you name it.
- Then let them make the weather on your back while you do the guessing.
Why it matters
Firm, slow touch is settling. Guessing each kind of weather keeps their attention on what they can feel.
What they're learning
- Feeling touch
- Taps, circles and strokes on the back.
- Calm and close
- Lying still while someone else does the work.
- A story in touch
- The weather changes as the story goes.
What to look for
Notice their breathing slow down as the story goes on.
A tip
Ask how hard they like it, and stop when they say so. Some children like firm pressure and some want the lightest touch.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: stick to sunshine and rain
Harder: add snow, fog and a rainbow, and let them invent how each one feels
