My Ball Has Glue on My Feet

Each child walks their ball around the yard with taps so tiny it looks glued to the foot. It builds controlled dribbling and pace control while walking, stopping, and starting.

How to play

1. Each child puts their ball on the ground in front of their feet; the teacher shows a tiny tap with the inside of the foot (1 min).
2. Walk very slowly tapping the ball: “Don’t let it come unglued!” (1 min).
3. On a drum beat, “The glue dries!”: step on the ball with the sole and freeze (1 min).
4. Walk again a little faster, keeping the ball no more than one step away (2 min).
5. Finish with the ball stopped under the sole and take one big breath out (1 min).

Rules

• The ball always stays close, one little step from my foot.
• Drum beat means foot on top of the ball.
• I look ahead so I don’t bump into anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: steer a bigger ball with the front wheel of the wheelchair or push it with a pool noodle.
• Visual impairment: a ball with a bell in a clear area; a classmate guides by voice.
• Less coordination: a large, slightly deflated ball that doesn’t roll away as much.

Learning goals

• Dribble the ball with small, controlled taps.
• Stop the ball by stepping on it with the sole.
• Warm up by changing pace on a signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

A slightly deflated ball rolls less and helps 3-year-olds a lot. The typical mistake is running after the ball: keep saying “Slowly, or it comes unglued!”

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