Statues with a Foot on the Ball

To calm music, children roll their ball very slowly with the sole of the foot, and when the music stops they become statues with one foot resting on top. It slows the body down and builds balance and attention.

How to play

1. Each child has a still ball in front. The teacher plays calm music (1 min).
2. Roll the ball very slowly with the sole: forward, back, to the side (1 min).
3. The music stops: statue with one foot on the ball, and a deep breath (1 min).
4. Longer and longer statues while the teacher strolls by whispering “What a calm statue” (1 min).
5. Sitting down, hug the ball and close our eyes for a moment (1 min).

Rules

• Very slowly, as if the ball were sleeping.
• When the music stops, freeze like a statue.
• Statues breathe, but they don’t talk.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated, a hand on top of the ball and freezing when the music stops.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher signals “statue” by crossing the arms.
• Less balance: the ball inside a hoop or against the wall so it doesn’t roll.

Learning goals

• Calm down after activity.
• Keep balance with one foot on an object.
• Respond to a sound signal by staying still.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Calm music

Teacher tip

Soft, slightly deflated balls don’t slip away and nobody slides. Lower your own voice first; they’ll follow.

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