Slow-Motion Kin-Ball: The Ball Travels Over the Group

A cooperative cool-down where the giant ball travels slowly over and around the whole class. The pace drops through a shared task that calls for control and a gentle touch.

How to play

1. The whole class sits in two tight facing rows; the ball passes hand to hand over everyone's heads from one end to the other, slowly (2 min).
2. Standing in one line: the ball alternates over the head and around one side of the body, with no one rushing it (2 min).
3. Final trip in complete silence, from one end of the line to the other (1 min).
4. The last person in line rolls it to the storage room with two classmates while everyone else lines up to leave (1 min).

Rules

• Always guide the ball with two hands; never hit it.
• If the ball drops, pick it up slowly and continue from where it fell.
• No one stands up while the ball is passing over their row.
• Speak softly, or not at all, on the last trip.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: stand between two classmates who say when the ball is coming.
• Students who use wheelchairs: are part of the standing line at chair height; the ball passes beside them instead of overhead.
• Students with shoulder discomfort: guide the ball only at chest height.

Learning goals

• Slow down after intense work.
• Cooperate on a shared task with control.
• Take care of the equipment as a group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• kin-balls: 1

Teacher tip

A good way to close a kin-ball lesson without losing time putting the ball away. If you don't have a kin-ball, any inflatable giant ball works.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Middle School