My Newspaper Stick Pushes the Ball

Each child guides a paper ball along the ground by pushing it with a rolled-up newspaper stick, around cones and into a box goal. Children work on handling a tool, hand-eye coordination and steering.

How to play

1. Roll a double newspaper sheet up tight and tape it closed: that's our stick (3 min).
2. Put the ball on the ground and push it gently with the stick, walking alongside it (2 min).
3. Move the ball all around the space without losing it, stopping when the teacher says "Brakes!" (3 min).
4. Zigzag between cones keeping the ball close to the stick (3 min).
5. Push the ball into a box lying on its side like a goal, from close up and then a little farther (2 min).
6. Put the sticks and balls back in their box (1 min).

Rules

• The stick always stays low, touching the ground.
• Push the ball; never hit friends.
• Everyone moves their own ball; if another one crosses, let it go by.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: from the wheelchair, with a longer stick and the ball on a table or smooth floor.
• Visual impairment: wrap the ball in foil or add a large bell, and use a path without cones.
• Less dexterity: push with a wide empty paper towel tube instead of the thin stick.

Learning goals

• Use a tool to move an object.
• Control the direction and strength of the push.
• Move while keeping eyes on the ball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rolled newspaper sticks: 25
• newspaper balls: 25
• cones: 10
• cardboard boxes: 4

Teacher tip

The golden rule is "stick down." If someone raises it above the waist, pause the game and remind everyone. A tightly rolled newspaper stick is soft and won't hurt, but the habit matters.

More main activities for Elementary