I Say Your Name and Send You the Ball
Standing in a circle, the child with the ball says a classmate’s name and rolls the ball to them with the foot; whoever gets it stops it and does the same. It builds foot passing, attention, and makes everyone feel called on.
How to play
- Big standing circle, spread out with “airplane arms.” The teacher starts: “Lucy!” and passes her the ball with a foot (1 min).
- Lucy stops it with the sole, says another name, and passes (2 min).
- New rule: send it to someone who hasn’t had it yet; those who have put their hands on their head (3 min).
- Manners round: when receiving, say “thank you”; when passing, say “for you!” (2 min).
- A second ball joins the circle; listen carefully for your name (2 min).
Rules
- I say the name before I pass.
- I pass when my friend is looking at me.
- Everyone has to get the ball.
Variations
Easier
Age 3: a small circle with an adult, rolling by hand if needed, with help on names.
Standard
Age 4: the whole class in one circle with one ball.
Harder
Age 5: two balls at once and passing with the less-skilled foot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, the child receives the ball against the wheel and sends it back by hand; the circle includes everyone.
- Hearing impairment: along with the name, look at and point to the classmate before passing.
- Autism or shyness: the child can call someone by pointing or by showing a classmate’s photo instead of saying the name.
Learning goals
- Pass the ball with the foot in a chosen direction.
- Stop the ball with the sole.
- Recognize and name classmates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large soft ball: 2
Teacher tip
Perfect for the first weeks to learn names. The usual issue is the same kids getting it every time; the hands-on-head rule fixes that on its own.
PatioLab has "I Say Your Name and Send You the Ball" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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