A Goal in My Cone House
Each child builds a goal "house" from two cones, dribbles their ball around the playground and comes home to kick it through. They practice dribbling and kicking toward a target.
How to play
- Everyone sets up two cones as the door of their house, about two child-feet apart (2 min).
- From very close, kick the stationary ball through your door (3 min).
- Take the ball for a walk around the playground; on the clap, go home and score (4 min).
- Visit friends' houses: score in the house the teacher points to (4 min).
- Collect cones and balls and celebrate every goal with a big "Goooal!" (2 min).
Rules
- I kick the ball with my foot, not my hand.
- I only kick when nobody is in front of the goal.
- If I miss, I get the ball and try again.
- Every goal counts and gets a cheer.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a wide door (three steps) and kicking from very close, with no dribbling first.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, a regular door and a dribble before shooting.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a narrower door and kicking from a farther mark they choose.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: push the ball with a hand or a pool noodle into a wider goal.
- Visual impairment: a sound goal (an adult or classmate claps behind it) and a ball with a bell.
- Less coordination: a bigger, lighter ball.
Learning goals
- Dribble the ball with the foot.
- Kick accurately toward a goal.
- Set a simple goal for themselves: score in their own house.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Soft balls: 25
- Cones: 50
Teacher tip
Arrange the houses in a big circle all facing outward so nobody kicks toward a classmate. Teach the inside-of-the-foot kick: it's far more accurate than the toe.
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