Keep the Balloon Cloud Up

The whole group keeps a growing "cloud" of balloons in the air, and no balloon belongs to anyone. It builds hand-eye coordination and teamwork.

How to play

1. Everyone gathers in the middle and the teacher tosses four balloons: they are the cloud (1 min).
2. Together we keep them up with little taps, without letting any touch the floor (2 min).
3. The teacher adds more balloons little by little and the cloud grows (2 min).
4. If a balloon drops, whoever is closest picks it up and we carry on (1 min).
5. The cloud lands: each balloon comes down into someone's hands and goes in the box (1 min).

Rules

• The balloons belong to everyone.
• Soft tap, upward.
• If one falls, whoever is close picks it up and we keep going.
• If a balloon pops, I don't touch the pieces: I tell my teacher.

Variations

Adaptations

• Motor-impaired: sits in the middle of the group with a pool noodle to tap balloons from the wheelchair.
• Autism: may have one balloon of a set color as "their job" within the cloud.
• Visual impairment: bright balloons with a large bell taped to the outside.

Learning goals

• Tap a balloon in the air by tracking its path.
• Work with the whole group toward a shared goal.
• Warm up with short movements.

Equipment for a class of 25

• globos: 12

Teacher tip

Keep the group in a small area: if they spread out, the cloud falls apart. Cheer out loud every time someone saves a balloon. If one pops, pick up every piece right away and keep spare balloons already blown up; watch that no one bites them.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Elementary