About this template
This delightful brain break combines gentle touch with a soothing nursery rhyme to create a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Criss Cross Apple Sauce is a perfect way to introduce young students to mindfulness and relaxation techniques. It's a playful yet calming exercise that helps students recharge, refocus, and connect with their peers in a positive way. This activity is ideal for easing transitions and reducing classroom stress.
How it works:
Students form pairs and sit on the floor, one behind the other. They can sit cross-legged (in “criss cross apple sauce” position) to be comfortable and grounded.
The student sitting behind gently traces patterns on the back of the student in front while reciting the “Criss Cross Apple Sauce” rhyme:
Criss cross, apple sauce,
Spiders crawling up your back,
Cool breeze, tight breeze,
Now you've got the shiveries!
After one round, students switch roles so everyone gets a chance to both trace and receive the patterns. Encourage students to take deep breaths, relax, and enjoy the gentle sensations.
If there is time, follow up with a brief discussion about how the activity made them feel and any sensations they noticed.
