Bounce Along with the Teacher's Ball
The teacher bounces a big ball and children jump every time it hits the floor, slow or fast depending on the bounce. It works on matching your own movement to a rhythm you can see and hear.
How to play
- Everyone stands facing the teacher; listen to the ball hit the floor and clap on every bounce (1 min).
- Slow bounces: do one little hop per bounce, like you're a ball too (1 min).
- Fast, low bounces: quick tiny hops, almost on tiptoe (1 min).
- The teacher holds the ball: wait still, knees ready, until it bounces again (1 min).
- Mix slow and fast bounces, and now travel around the room bouncing like the ball (1 min).
- The ball is losing air: slower and slower bounces until we're resting on the floor (1 min).
Rules
- I jump when the ball hits the floor, not before.
- If the teacher holds the ball, I wait.
- Soft, quiet landings so my feet don't get hurt.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only slow bounces, and the teacher says “bounce!” each time.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, alternate slow and fast and add the holds.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher bounces short patterns (slow, slow, fast, fast, fast) and children repeat them without the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: instead of jumping, clap or pat the legs on every bounce.
- Visual impairment: keep the child close to the teacher to hear the bounce; a buddy taps their shoulder during holds.
- Lower skill: let the child jump on two feet in place for the whole game.
Learning goals
- Sync jumps with a visual and sound cue.
- Tell slow rhythms from fast ones.
- Wait for the signal before moving.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large ball: 1
Teacher tip
Pick a ball that bounces well and makes a sound; rubber flooring muffles it. Kids often jump when they see the teacher's hand go up, so tell them to watch the floor, not the hand.
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