Four-Handed Tray

In pairs, children hold a tray between them and carry a ball on it around the room, roll it without letting it escape, and drop it off at the houses the teacher names. It builds hand-eye coordination and teamwork with a partner.

How to play

1. In pairs, each child holds one side of the tray, and we place a ball on top (1 min).
2. Walk the ball around the room without dropping it, slowly and talking to your partner (3 min).
3. Standing still, tilt the tray so the ball rolls side to side without falling off (2 min).
4. Carry the ball to the house the teacher calls, a colored hoop on the floor, and drop it in without using hands (4 min).
5. Toss the ball a little way up together and catch it back on the tray (2 min).

Rules

• We both hold the tray the whole time.
• If the ball falls, we pick it up together.
• We walk slowly and watch out for others.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child holds the tray from the wheelchair while the partner walks around them, or an adult helps push the chair.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell to hear it roll, and hoops with a raised edge.
• Autism: start by pairing with an adult, and show the steps of the game with pictures.

Learning goals

• Coordinate eyes and hands to control a ball.
• Agree with a partner while moving.
• Decide together how to get the ball to its destination.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Plastic trays: 13
• Medium balls: 13
• Hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Sturdy plastic trays with a rim work well, like takeout trays or old baking trays. The typical problem is one child pulling while the other doesn't, so have them say "Let's go!" before moving.

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