The Ball Elevator

In pairs, children hold a large ball pressed between one hand each and raise and lower it like an elevator while moving together. It builds cooperation, controlled pressure and coordinated movement.

How to play

1. In pairs, facing each other, hold the ball with all four hands (2 min).
2. The elevator goes up and down: lift the ball above your heads and down to your feet without dropping it (2 min).
3. Now just one hand each: the elevator goes up and down and stops at the “floors” the teacher calls (knees, tummy, shoulders) (2 min).
4. Carry the ball by walking sideways between the cones, with the elevator at tummy level (3 min).
5. The teacher calls a floor and a place: “Shoulder floor, to the yellow cone!” (2 min).
6. The elevator goes down very slowly to the floor and the ball takes a rest (1 min).

Rules

• Squeeze the ball just enough, without pushing your friend.
• Move at the same time, looking at each other.
• If it drops, no problem: pick it up and start again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner adjusts to the wheelchair height and the elevator goes from the seated child's knees to shoulders.
• Autism: if touching another child is uncomfortable, pair with the adult at first.
• Visual impairment: use a textured ball and count out loud, “up, up, stop,” to coordinate.

Learning goals

• Match pace and force with a partner.
• Adjust hand pressure on an object.
• Move sideways while keeping contact with the ball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large soft balls: 13
• Cones: 8

Teacher tip

Soft foam balls or slightly deflated balls are easiest to hold. Pair children of similar height so the elevator doesn't tilt.

More main activities for Elementary