Pool Noodle Tongs

In pairs, each child holds a pool noodle, and together they make giant tongs to carry a large ball without touching it with their hands. It builds cooperation, coordinating with another person and adjusting force.

How to play

1. Each pair gets two noodles: test them as tongs, squeezing and releasing a ball on the ground (2 min).
2. Lift the ball between the two noodles and hold it while counting to five without dropping it (3 min).
3. Now carry it, walking slowly, from the start hoop to the hoop at the far end of the playground (4 min).
4. Change sizes: try a smaller ball and a bigger one; which is easier? (3 min).
5. All pairs carry their balls to the same hoop until it's full (2 min).
6. Circle time: what did you say to your partner to keep it from falling? (1 min).

Rules

• Hands hold the noodle, not the ball.
• Walk at your partner's pace, no pulling.
• If it drops, stop, pick it up with the noodles and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner of a child using a wheelchair walks alongside, and the ball rests on the child's lap between the two noodles.
• Autism: pair with a calm classmate and agree beforehand on a word for “stop.”
• Lower skill: use a lightly inflated beach ball that is light and molds to the noodles.

Learning goals

• Coordinate movement with a partner.
• Adjust pressure to hold without squashing.
• Carry an object together toward a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Pool noodles: 26
• Large balls: 13
• Hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Cut the noodles in half if they're very long; about 3 feet is plenty. A common mistake is one child rushing ahead, so ask them to “keep feet together” and look at each other.

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