5 calming activities for children in the shelter and throughout the day 🧘‍♀️

Due to the current situation, our team has created a collection of simple and calming activities for children. These activities can be done in the shelter or outside (depending on the circumstances) and are divided by areas of interest, so that each family can find what suits them best.

1. Art Activities:

a. Free doodling—children can draw with eyes open or closed, and then look for shapes or images within the doodle, develop them, and color them in.

This often leads to the creation of characters, and you can even make up a story around them. You can take turns doodling and explore the images together.

For example:

Credit for the original drawings goes to our talented team member Shoval Katzir-Sharabi.

b. Six-Part Story: Divide a sheet of paper into six sections (without cutting it). In each section, draw one part of the story.

1. Draw the hero of the story

2. Draw their mission

3. Draw the obstacle they face

4. Draw what or who helps them

5. Draw how the hero overcomes the obstacle

6. Draw what happens in the end

Example:

2. Yoga Practice:

Depending on the child’s mood, you can choose either grounding, inward-focused poses or more open poses that encourage deep breathing.

Attached are several examples taken from special yoga card sets developed specifically for autistic children by our team member, Tamar Elbilia.

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b.

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d.

3. General Physical Activity:

a. A movement game to enhance listening skills – Define three simple rules that combine specific words with physical actions.

Example: When the adult says “ketchup”, the children do a squat – bending their knees and rising up, like pressing a ketchup bottle.

When the adult says “ice cream”, the children raise their arms overhead, connect their palms to form a triangle shape pointing upward, and spin in place.

When the adult says “Superman”, the children go into an all-fours position and lift one arm and one leg. You can add variety by asking them to lift opposite arm and leg.

The adult first demonstrates what each instruction means, and then begins calling out the words in a quick, alternating sequence.

The child’s goal is to complete as many correct poses as possible within one minute.

Later, you can create new movements together with the children.

This is an excellent exercise for increasing heart rate, sharpening attention, and improving physical fitness.

b. Reaction Speed Game

Place three objects around the room or yard (if safe and possible).For example: a pillow, a bottle, and a chair.

The adult calls out the name of an object, and the child must run and touch it as quickly as possible. Continue switching between objects for one minute.

Goal: Touch as many objects as possible in one minute.

4. Activities Combining Music:

a. Hang a large sheet of paper on the wall and encourage free drawing with favorite stickers (such as superheroes or dinosaurs), accompanied by music and movement.This activity promotes creative expression, reduces stress, strengthens shoulder stability, and helps connect body and mind.

b. Play favorite music and let the children move freely in any way they want while the music plays. When the music stops, they freeze in place.

These activities combine movement, music, and fun, helping to release energy and improve body awareness.

5. Sensory Activities:

a. Surprise Box – Hide different objects inside a shoebox or an empty cereal box and ask the children to identify the object without looking. They need to recognize the item by feeling its texture and shape.

b. My Quiet Corner – Choose a small corner in the shelter and equip it with soft blankets and pillows. You can add a calming doll, a favorite soft toy, a book, or an object with a pleasant texture.

This corner can serve as a safe haven for the child when they feel overwhelmed or need a break. The familiar and cozy space helps them self-regulate and calm down.

Wishing everyone continued peaceful days 🙏

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