Gates for My Rolling Ball

Many gates made of two cones, some wide and some narrow, are spread around the playground, and children roll their ball through them and go fetch it. It builds rolling accuracy and choosing which gate and ball to use.

How to play

1. Spread 15 two-cone gates around the playground, some wide and some narrow; everyone takes a ball (2 min).
2. Try it out: kneeling in front of a wide gate, roll the ball with both hands through the middle (3 min).
3. Move around freely: choose a gate, roll the ball, pick it up on the other side and find another gate (3 min).
4. Switch balls: does the big one or the small one go through the narrow gate more easily? (3 min).
5. Challenge for 5-year-olds: roll standing with one hand without the ball touching the cones (2 min).
6. In the circle, share how many gates your ball went through (1 min).

Rules

• One gate, one ball: if someone is at a gate, find another.
• Roll the ball on the ground; it doesn't fly.
• Get your ball without walking in front of someone who's about to roll.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use a simple ramp (a board or cardboard tube) to send the ball from the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: use high-contrast cones and have a classmate clap behind the gate.
• Autism: mark the rolling spot with a hoop and limit the child to three set gates in order.

Learning goals

• Roll a ball accurately toward a target.
• Choose distance and ball according to difficulty.
• Move around the space and take turns at each gate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Balls in different sizes: 25
• Cones: 30

Teacher tip

Point all the gates the same direction so balls don't cross paths. A common mistake is shoving the ball; ask them to follow through with their hands until they let go.

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