Balloon Keep-Up Body Parts Challenge
Each student keeps a balloon in the air by striking it with the body part the teacher calls out, first alone and then with a partner. The activity builds striking skills, tracking of slow-moving objects, and body control in general space.
How to play
- Give each student an inflated balloon and spread out across the gym, at least an arm's length from anyone else (2 min).
- Free round: students tap the balloon upward with their hands without letting it touch the floor; if it drops, they pick it up and keep going with no penalty (2 min).
- When the teacher calls a body part (left hand, elbow, knee, head, foot, shoulder), everyone switches to striking only with that part; change every 30 seconds (4 min).
- Counting challenge: each student counts how many hits in a row they can get with the called body part and shares their best score on the whistle (2 min).
- With partners and one balloon: they alternate hits, and the pair chooses the body part for each hit without using the same one twice in a row (4 min).
- Wrap-up: each pair shows the class its most creative three-hit combination (1 min).
Rules
- Strike the balloon; never catch it except to pick it up off the floor.
- Eyes up, but no running: move with quick walking steps to avoid collisions.
- If two balloons get mixed up, each student gets their own back without pushing.
- A popped balloon goes to the teacher so the pieces are picked up, and the student continues with a spare.
Variations
Easier
The balloon may bounce on the floor once between hits.
Standard
Strike with the called body part without letting the balloon touch the floor.
Harder
Keep two balloons up at once, or clap before every hit.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student stays seated, strikes with hands, head, and elbows, and a partner brings the balloon back if it drifts away.
- Autism or noise sensitivity: show a picture card of the next body part before each switch and avoid overinflated balloons that might pop.
- Advanced students: they must alternate right and left sides on every hit.
Learning goals
- Strike a slow-moving object with different body parts while controlling its direction.
- Anticipate where the balloon will fall and get under it in time.
- Cooperate with a partner to keep the balloon in the air.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 35
Teacher tip
Inflate balloons about three-quarters full so they float slower and pop less, and keep a bag of ten spares. Check for latex allergies in the class beforehand.
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