My Funnel Catches Socks

Each child has a funnel made from half a plastic bottle and a sock ball they toss to themselves and catch in the funnel. It builds tracking the ball with the eyes and moving the funnel right under it.

How to play

1. Everyone imagines their funnel is a hungry fish's mouth; the teacher shows how to hold it by the cap end (2 min).
2. With the other hand, drop the ball into the funnel from very close, no throwing (2 min).
3. Toss the ball a little, up to face height, and the fish opens its mouth to catch it (3 min).
4. Switch hands: funnel in the other hand, toss with the first one (2 min).
5. Try tossing and patting your leg before catching, or catching while walking slowly (2 min).
6. Count how many times your fish ate and lay it down to sleep upside down on the floor (1 min).

Rules

• I toss gently, only up to my face.
• I watch the ball until it goes in the fish's mouth.
• Everyone plays in their own spot, apart from friends.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less dexterity: use a bigger funnel made from a gallon water jug.
• Limited mobility: play seated with the funnel resting on the lap while a classmate drops the ball in.
• Visual impairment: use a brightly colored sock ball with a bell sewn inside, and play facing a light-colored wall.

Learning goals

• Coordinate tossing with one hand and catching with the other.
• Track the ball's path with the eyes.
• Try new challenges with their own equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Bottle funnels: 25
• Sock balls: 25

Teacher tip

Cut the bottles at home and cover the cut edge with electrical tape so it's not sharp. Teach them to watch the ball, not the funnel; that's the most common mistake.

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