Note to the trainer: This step involves full-body movement. While enabling caregivers to enjoy themselves, demonstrate practical ways to release the physical tension caused by intense emotions in the body (muscle contraction and rapid breathing).
Method: Creative drama / physical activity.
Materials: A large open activity space.
1. “Being a Potato” game: The trainer asks participants to stand and form a large circle. Participants are asked to imagine that they are potatoes. 2. Giving instructions: Using exaggerated facial expressions and tone of voice, the trainer gives the following instructions in sequence and asks staff to act them out with their bodies and faces:
“Now you are at the market, crammed into a bag (expressions of surprise/fear). Now you are in the kitchen and your skins are being peeled (tension/excitement). And now... you have been thrown into hot oil! (Shake the whole body to release stress and energy).”
3. Emphasis on regulation: At the end of the game, explain that this activity is an excellent regulation tool for increasing children’s inner awareness and enabling them to release stress from their bodies in an enjoyable way.