I Do What the Ball Does

The teacher moves a large ball (rolls it, bounces it, spins it or stops it) and children copy with their whole body whatever the ball does. It warms up the body and builds visual attention and body expression.

How to play

1. In a circle, the teacher shows the ball: “Today you are my ball, so you do everything it does” (1 min).
2. The ball rolls along the floor: children walk in the same direction; when it stops, they stop (1 min).
3. The ball bounces: children jump with feet together on each bounce, slow bounces and fast bounces (1 min).
4. The ball spins in the teacher's hand: children slowly turn around in place (1 min).
5. Mix it up: roll, bounce, spin and stop, with less warning each time (1 min).
6. The ball slowly deflates (the teacher squeezes it) and children get smaller and smaller down to the floor (1 min).

Rules

• Watch the ball with owl eyes.
• If the ball stops, we stop too.
• Stay in your own spot so you don't bump when you spin.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: copy with whatever body part the child can move (bouncing arms, turning head) or with their own ball on the wheelchair tray.
• Autism: use picture cards for each action and always start with the same one.
• Hearing impairment: the game is already visual; make sure the child is close to and facing the teacher.

Learning goals

• Match movement to a visual cue.
• Jump with feet together and turn without losing balance.
• Warm up the body gradually.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large rubber ball: 1

Teacher tip

Bounce with a clear, exaggerated rhythm so they can follow. Many jump before the ball bounces, so say “I wait for the ball” and they'll settle.

More activities like this

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