Seals at the Aquarium
Children are seals sitting on the floor, passing a beach ball overhead with both hands and catching it while making seal noises. It works on two-handed throwing and catching from a stable position.
How to play
- Tell them the aquarium seals put on a ball show; sit in pairs facing each other and clap like seals (2 min).
- The seal holds the ball overhead with both hands and throws it to their partner, who catches it with open arms (3 min).
- Try chest and underhand throws from the floor, and the catching seal claps before the ball arrives (4 min).
- Seals lie on their tummies, lift their chests and roll the ball to each other with their noses or hands (3 min).
- Finish with the big show: all pairs do their best pass at the same time while the audience (the teacher) applauds (2 min).
Rules
- Seals throw sitting down.
- Throw when your partner's arms are ready.
- If the ball gets away, scoot after it like a seal.
- Make seal noises, not screams.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, sit very close so the ball goes almost hand to hand.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, move apart and throw overhead.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, move farther apart and try catching before the ball touches the floor, throwing it back in one motion.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: this works very well; everyone is sitting and the child can play from a wheelchair with the partner also seated.
- Hearing impairment: show turns with a clear hand signal (a seal clap).
- Visual impairment: use a beach ball with a bell inside, and the partner calls the child's name before throwing.
Learning goals
- Throw two-handed overhead and from the chest.
- Catch a big, light ball while sitting.
- Enjoy pretend play and expressive movement.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beach balls: 13
Teacher tip
Beach balls float slowly and give kids time to react: ideal for first catches in the air. If it's windy, play indoors or under a covered area.
PatioLab has "Seals at the Aquarium" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Elementary
"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar…
"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down…
"El Patio de Mi Casa" Parachute Song
Children sing the traditional Spanish ring song "El patio de mi casa" while circling with the parachute and lowering it to the ground on "agáchate" (squat down).
"Que Llueva" Parachute Rain
Using the traditional Spanish children's song "Que llueva, que llueva" (Let It Rain), children make rain, clouds and sun with the parachute, and some hide underneath as…
«A la Zapatilla por Detrás»: The Slipper Behind Your Back
Sitting in a circle with eyes covered, one child walks around the outside with a slipper singing the traditional Spanish rhyme «A la zapatilla por detrás» («the…
«A Tapar la Calle»: The Chain That Blocks the Street
Half the class forms a hand-in-hand chain that walks forward singing the traditional Spanish song «A tapar la calle» («Block the street so nobody passes»), while the…