Teacher's Ball Shower
The teacher tosses lots of soft balls up into the air like rain, and children try to catch them before they hit the ground or after one bounce, then bring them back to the cloud. Everyone catches at the same time while tracking the ball's path.
How to play
- The teacher is the cloud with a bag full of raindrops (balls); children spread out in front with arms ready (2 min).
- The cloud tosses the balls up and forward one by one; children catch them after a bounce and bring them to the basket (3 min).
- Now try catching them before they touch the ground, arms like a basket (4 min).
- Storm! The cloud tosses lots at once and everyone catches one and goes back to their spot (3 min).
- The rain stops: the balls go back to the cloud and we sit and breathe, looking up at the sky (2 min).
Rules
- Catch the ball coming toward you, no pushing.
- If two of us go for the same one, let the other have it and find another.
- Walk the ball to the basket.
- Always watch the cloud.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the cloud tosses low and close, and catching after several bounces counts.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, catch after one bounce or in the air.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the cloud tosses higher and kids try catching with no bounce, clapping first if they want.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the cloud tosses balls just to this child, straight on and slowly, and they have a box on their lap to catch with.
- Visual impairment: toss balls with bells and say the child's name first; they can also catch rolling balls.
- Autism: give the child a spot marked with a hoop, and they only catch balls that land in their hoop.
Learning goals
- Track balls falling from above with the eyes.
- Catch balls after a bounce and in the air.
- Manage excitement in a fast-paced game without bumping into others.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 25
- large bag or basket: 1
Teacher tip
Toss into open space, never at anyone's face, and spread the children out before starting. Soft foam balls are a must here; no hard balls.
PatioLab has "Teacher's Ball Shower" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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