A Flower of Balls Around the Jack
Inspired by the bocce or pétanque games older folks play in the park, the teacher sets a colored ball in the middle (the jack) and everyone rolls their ball to stop as close as possible, building a flower of balls together. They practice rolling with just the right force, without competing: the goal is the flower we make as a group.
How to play
- We talk about bocce: have you seen grandparents play in the park? The teacher places the jack (2 min).
- One by one, from the line, we roll our ball to stop near the jack (5 min).
- We look at the flower: does it have lots of petals? The teacher snaps a photo or we draw it in the air (1 min).
- We move the jack somewhere else and roll again with the other hand (4 min).
- Each of us walks slowly to pick up our ball and put it away (1 min).
Rules
- I roll when it's my turn.
- I don't touch other kids' balls.
- If my ball rolls past, it's still a petal.
Variations
Easier
At age 3, we roll sitting with legs apart and the jack very close.
Standard
At age 4, standing and crouching, about four steps away.
Harder
At age 5, if a ball bumps the jack, the flower is rebuilt around its new spot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child rolls the ball through a tube or gutter resting on their chair.
- Visual impairment: the jack has a bell, and the teacher jingles it before each roll.
- Autism: give the child a ball in a fixed, different color so they always know which one is theirs.
Learning goals
- Adjust force to bring a ball close to a spot.
- Learn a traditional game from the community.
- Make something together with no winners.
Equipment for a class of 25
- small colored ball: 1
- medium balls: 25
Teacher tip
Choose a flat, level surface. The jack should be easy to see but not small enough to fit in a mouth. If someone gets impatient, make them your helper who calls the next turn.
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