Get-to-Know-You Question Ball
In groups of 6, students toss a beach ball with questions written on its stripes; whoever catches it answers the question under their right thumb and passes it to someone who has not had it yet. It practices throwing and catching while the group gets to know each other.
How to play
- Use a marker to write about 12 short questions on each beach ball: "favorite food?", "a sport you like?", "an animal that describes you?" (prep ahead of time).
- Form 4 groups of 6 in circles about 12 ft wide with a cone in the center, each with one ball (1 min).
- The first student says their name and the name of the person they are tossing to, then passes underhand with two hands. The catcher reads the question under their right thumb and answers (5 min).
- Nobody gets the ball twice until everyone in the group has had it once. Then pass freely.
- Change the type of pass every 2 minutes: bounce pass, overhead, after a clap, kneeling (4 min).
- Rotate: two students from each group move to the next group and introduce themselves with their favorite answer (3 min).
- Finish with one shared question for the whole class in a big circle (2 min).
Rules
- Say the person's name before tossing so they are ready.
- Toss softly to the hands, never at the face.
- If you do not want to answer a question, you may pick the one next to it.
- Never criticize a classmate's answer.
Variations
Easier
Use smaller groups of 4 and roll the ball along the ground.
Standard
Use groups of 6, underhand tosses, and changing pass types.
Harder
Play with two balls in each group at once, and players must remember the answer of the last person who had the other ball.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility play seated, and passes to them are rolled or bounced.
- For students with visual impairments, use a ball with a bell and have the teacher or a classmate read the question aloud.
- For students with reading difficulties, add small drawings next to the questions.
Learning goals
- Improve two-handed throwing and catching.
- Share personal information and learn about classmates.
- Take turns so everyone gets to participate.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beach balls: 4
- markers: 4
- cones: 4
Teacher tip
Beach balls are ideal because they are slow and do not hurt; on windy days, play in the gym or a sheltered area.
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