Balloon Up, Ball Down Challenge
Each student keeps a balloon in the air with one hand while dribbling or tossing a ball with the other, with challenges that level up. It builds coordination of two manipulative skills at once, use of both hands, and beating a personal best.
How to play
- Each student gets a balloon and a bouncy ball and finds a personal space where their arms don't touch anyone (1 minute).
- First, keep the balloon up with soft taps and count the hits; then dribble the ball in place, first with one hand and then the other (3 minutes).
- Double challenge: tap the balloon up with one hand while dribbling the ball with the other. Count balloon taps until the balloon drops or the ball gets away (3 minutes).
- Level 2: instead of dribbling, toss the ball a little and catch it while tapping the balloon with the other hand (3 minutes).
- In pairs, one student does the challenge while the partner calls out hand switches; trade after 90 seconds (3 minutes).
- To finish, each student picks a favorite challenge and goes for a personal best in 1 minute.
Rules
- Stay in your own space so you don't bump anyone.
- If the balloon drops, pick it up and keep going; nobody is out.
- Dribble softly, below the waist.
- Walk to get a ball that rolls away.
Variations
Easier
Balloon only, tapping with alternating hands.
Standard
Balloon with one hand and dribbling with the other.
Harder
Keep the balloon up with the head or a foot while dribbling.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated or in a wheelchair, tap the balloon with one hand and dribble beside the chair.
- Autism: demonstrate each level first and let the student move up only when ready.
- Skill level: students who master the challenges quickly tap the balloon with the non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Coordinate two different manipulative skills at the same time.
- Tap a balloon and dribble a ball using both hands.
- Improve a personal best through practice.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 30
- balls: 25
Teacher tip
At first, almost no one can do the double challenge, so celebrate every small step. Keep spare balloons handy and pick up popped pieces right away.
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