The Ball That Knows the Way

In a circle, the ball always follows the same path from child to child, which everyone has to remember, first slowly and then faster. It works on remembering order, waiting your turn and paying attention.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, say everyone's names. The teacher rolls the ball to a child, who rolls it to someone else, until everyone has had it once: that's the path (2 min).
2. Repeat the same path: each child remembers who they get it from and who they pass to (2 min).
3. Now standing and passing with hands, slowly, saying the name of who gets it (2 min).
4. Speedy path: do it faster without changing the order (2 min).
5. Two balls on the same path, one after the other, the second starting when the first is halfway around (2 min).

Rules

• I always pass to the same person.
• I say their name before I pass.
• If the ball drops, I pick it up calmly and we keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: rolls or pushes the ball from the wheelchair and catches in their lap.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell, say their name before passing, and always roll it to them.
• Autism: a buddy sitting beside them points to who's next.

Learning goals

• Remember and repeat a passing order.
• Pass and catch accurately at different speeds.
• Wait your turn and stay focused.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 2

Teacher tip

If the group gets lost, have each child fold their arms once they've had the ball so you can see who's left on the first round. Kids love passing to their best friend, but the path is the boss.

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