Place both hands on the shoulder blades. Your hands should be flat and side-by-side.

Make a large circle, with both hands moving together, repeating this several times. Adjust the pressure to suit the individual.

Keep your hands flat, and slide them from left to right all over the back for the sliding door movement, before gently clapping them on the back for the slamming of the door.

Make circular movements with your knuckles, across the whole of the back.

Starting at the base of the spine, climb up the back using alternate hands. Also use a combination of flat hands and your fists to replicate a climbing motion.

Starting at the elbows, move up both upper arms, gently squeezing and releasing as you ascend.

Using Makaton, sign “boat” so the child can see it. Keep your hands in this position, and slide the sides of your hands all over their back.

Use your fingertips to gently sweep across the back – to and fro – for the motion of the wind.

Repeat Movement 7, but increase the pressure and speed.

Use the sides of your hands to make large waves over the back.

Make a fist and use the sides to drum all over their back for the rain. Clap on their back using your flat palms for the thunder, and then zig-zag using the sides of your hands for lightning. Add sound effects.

Repeat Movement 7, calm and slow.

Repeat Movement 1 once for the sun.

Place both hands back on the shoulder blades. Your hands should be flat and side-by-side.