Sock Balls Wake Up Our Hands
Each child wakes up their hands by passing a sock ball from hand to hand, around the waist and under the legs. It builds grip, hand-to-hand passing and keeping eyes on the ball.
How to play
- In a circle, everyone takes a sock ball and squeezes it hard and soft, first with one hand and then the other (1 min).
- Pass the ball from hand to hand in front of the tummy saying "for you, for me" while watching it (1 min).
- The ball travels around the waist like a belt, first one way and then the other (1 min).
- Walk around the room passing the ball hand to hand; when the drum sounds, pass it under one leg (2 min).
- Back in the circle, set the ball on the floor and give it a goodbye tap with each hand (1 min).
Rules
- The ball goes hand to hand, no throwing.
- Our eyes watch the ball the whole time.
- If it drops, I pick it up and keep going calmly.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only hand to hand and around the waist, standing still.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add passing under a leg and do it while walking.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, pass the ball around the head and knees and try a tiny toss from hand to hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: children in wheelchairs pass the ball hand to hand and around the backrest, with adult help if needed.
- Visual impairment: sew a jingle bell securely inside a sock ball so the child can hear where it is.
- Less dexterity: use a bigger, softer sock ball (two pairs rolled together) that is easy to grab with the whole hand.
Learning goals
- Warm up hands and arms before playing.
- Pass an object from one hand to the other with control.
- Follow the ball's movement with the eyes.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Sock balls: 25
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Make the balls ahead of time by rolling each pair of socks into itself so it holds together. Model each step very slowly; the usual mistake is watching the teacher instead of the ball.
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