Kangaroos With a Knee Ball

Children are kangaroos carrying their joey (a foam ball) squeezed between their knees as they walk and hop to the cave (a box). It builds holding an object with the legs and coordinating jumps without letting go.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how to place the ball between the knees and squeeze "like a leg hug" (1 min).
2. Walk with tiny steps, holding the ball so it doesn't escape (2 min).
3. Try small kangaroo hops with feet together without dropping the joey (2 min).
4. Hop from hoop to hoop to the cave and drop the ball in by opening the knees (3 min).
5. Pick the joey up from the cave without hands: sitting down, grab it with the feet, lift it to the knees and walk back (3 min).
6. The kangaroos rest sitting down with the joey in their lap, taking deep breaths (1 min).

Rules

• The joey rides between the knees, not in the hands.
• If it escapes, pick it up and start again from there.
• Look ahead while hopping so you don't bump other kangaroos.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: hold the joey between the knees or under an arm while moving in the wheelchair.
• Shaky balance: walk with the ball between the knees while holding a classmate's hand.
• Autism: mark a fixed path of hoops to the child's own cave.

Learning goals

• Hold an object with the legs while moving.
• Jump with feet together and control the landing.
• Release an object in a specific spot without using the hands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large foam balls: 25
• Hoops: 10
• Cardboard boxes: 4

Teacher tip

Use foam balls about 8 inches across; rubber balls pop out right away. Kids usually jump too high; ask for "baby kangaroo hops" so the joey stays put.

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