Balloon Up: A Different Body Part Every Touch

The group keeps a balloon in the air, on condition that everyone touches it before anyone repeats, using the body part that's called. It's a cooperative coordination and attention challenge.

How to play

1. Groups of 5 with a balloon. Keep it up freely while counting touches (2 min).
2. Fixed order: the balloon goes through every player in the same order before anyone repeats (3 min).
3. Every 30 seconds the teacher calls the required body part: head, knee, elbow, foot, shoulder (4 min).
4. Two balloons per group plus travel: move them from one cone to another 10 meters away without touching the floor (3 min).
5. Group record: touches in a row in fixed order, any body part (3 min).

Rules

• Nobody touches the balloon twice in a row.
• If the balloon hits the floor, pick it up and restart the count at zero.
• Watch the balloon and your teammates: no diving or pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: play the same from the chair; the group aims to send the balloon at a comfortable height.
• Hearing impairment: show the body part on a large picture card.
• Visual impairment: balloon with a bell inside and a partner calling "yours."

Learning goals

• Coordinate hits with different body parts.
• Keep attention on the balloon and the group.
• Beat a cooperative record.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balloons: 12
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Check for latex allergies first and keep latex-free balloons or light beach balls on hand. Bring spare balloons already inflated.

More main activities for Middle School