Chalk Roads for My Ball
The teacher draws chalk roads on the ground (straight, zigzag, spiral) and children, crouching or crawling, guide their ball by rolling it with one hand without leaving the line. It builds rolling ball control and spatial awareness.
How to play
- Before starting, the teacher draws four roads on the playground: a straight road, a zigzag, a wave and a snail spiral (2 min).
- Each child rolls a ball along the straight road, pushing it with one hand beside the body (3 min).
- Try the zigzag and the wave: the ball turns when the line turns (3 min).
- The snail: the ball circles in to the center without leaving the line (3 min).
- Children draw their own road in chalk and a classmate tries it with their ball (3 min).
- Take all the balls along the longest road, one behind the other like a slow train (1 min).
Rules
- The ball stays close to your hand; don't push it far away.
- If the ball leaves the road, put it back on.
- Wait for the child in front to move ahead a little before you start.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use wide roads (two parallel lines) and a big ball pushed with both hands.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use a single line with zigzags and waves, pushing with one hand.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, switch hands at each curve and follow the spiral in and back out.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: draw roads on a large table or butcher paper at wheelchair height and roll a smaller ball by hand.
- Visual impairment: mark the road with thick tape or rope so it can be felt with the fingers.
- Lower skill: use wide roads and a slightly deflated ball that rolls more slowly.
Learning goals
- Guide a rolling ball along a marked path.
- Change direction following curved and straight lines.
- Make up routes for classmates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Medium balls: 25
- Sidewalk chalk: 10
Teacher tip
Draw the roads before the session, away from any slope. Protect knees: on rough ground, have children crouch or wear knee pads.
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