Feather Ball, Rock Ball

Children push, roll and carry very light, medium and heavy balls and discover that each one needs a different amount of force. It builds weight awareness, force control and coordination.

How to play

1. Each child holds a beach ball and a soft weighted ball: “Which one is a feather? Which one is a rock?” (2 min).
2. Roll each ball to a cone pushing with both hands: the feather ball runs away, the rock ball takes effort (3 min).
3. In pairs, sitting face to face, roll the balls to each other: push gently with the feather and hard with the rock (3 min).
4. Carry the rock ball between two, held against the tummy, to a cone and back (3 min).
5. Everyone picks their favorite ball and rocks it like a baby while breathing slowly (3 min).

Rules

• Rock balls are rolled, never thrown.
• Roll to your partner when they're looking.
• Share the balls: switch every little while.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: roll balls from the wheelchair down a cardboard ramp, or with a foot if possible.
• Visual impairment: use balls with a bell inside and a buddy who claps to call.
• Autism: show the order of the steps with pictures and keep the same partner.

Learning goals

• Notice weight differences when lifting and pushing.
• Adjust force to the weight of the object.
• Play in pairs and share equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beach balls: 6
• Soft 2 lb weighted balls: 6
• Rubber balls: 6
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Use soft medicine balls of about 2 lb maximum, never heavier. If you don't have any, a basketball is already a “rock” for a three-year-old.

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