Ball Down the Well

Moving the parachute together, children guide a ball to the hole in the middle so it falls into the well, a basket placed underneath. It builds group coordination, decision-making and sticking with a challenge.

How to play

1. The teacher puts a basket on the floor right under the center hole and explains that the ball is thirsty and wants to fall into the well (2 min).
2. With the fabric stretched at waist height, the teacher puts a ball near the edge and we roll it to the middle by lowering our side a little (3 min).
3. Try from different spots: the teacher says which color the ball starts on and the others decide whether to lift or lower (3 min).
4. When it drops in, one child from the starting color crawls under to get it from the basket and puts it back on their section (2 min).
5. Last challenge: two balls at once, and we celebrate with a wave when both fall in (2 min).

Rules

• The ball moves with the fabric, not with your hands.
• If the ball rolls off, the closest child picks it up.
• Only one child goes to the well to get it.
• We all celebrate together every time it drops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair chooses which color the ball starts from, and two classmates beside them hold their section.
• Visual impairment: tie a bell to the basket so it rings when the ball drops in.
• Autism: give the child the steady job of "well keeper," who always fetches the ball from the basket.

Learning goals

• Coordinate group movement to reach a goal.
• Decide when to lift or lower the fabric based on where the ball is.
• Keep trying at a challenge without getting frustrated.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Rainbow parachute: 1
• Foam ball: 4
• Basket: 1

Teacher tip

If your parachute has no center hole, place a hoop in the middle of the fabric as the target. The usual problem is everyone lowering at once so the ball doesn't move; ask only the side closest to the ball to lower.

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