The Ball That Rolls Around the Rim
Children lift and lower the edge of the parachute in turn so that a big ball rolls all the way around the rim of the fabric. It builds coordination with the children on either side, rhythm and sustained attention.
How to play
- The teacher puts a ball on the fabric near the edge and shows the trick: when the ball comes toward you, lift; when it moves away, lower (2 min).
- Try it slowly with the teacher guiding, "Up... down..." as the ball moves section by section (3 min).
- The ball goes all the way around without the teacher's help and we count how many laps it makes without falling off (3 min).
- Switch direction: the ball goes back the other way (2 min).
- Put two balls on opposite sides, like two race cars chasing each other but never catching up (2 min).
Rules
- Lift the fabric when the ball reaches you.
- Lower it when the ball moves on to your neighbor.
- If the ball falls off, the closest child picks it up and puts it back.
- Always watch the ball.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the ball travels only half the circle and the teacher says "up" and "down" to each child.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, go all the way around and switch direction.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, use two balls at once and try to make them go faster without falling off.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child with little arm strength holds between two classmates who help lift their section.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside and have classmates say "Here it comes" as it gets close.
- Autism: give the child the job of calling "Lap!" each time the ball passes the teacher.
Learning goals
- Coordinate their movement with the children next to them.
- Track a moving object with their eyes.
- Stay focused on a shared task.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
- Large foam ball: 2
Teacher tip
It works much better with the fabric stretched tight; if the circle shrinks, the ball rolls to the middle. Pick big, light foam balls that roll slowly.
PatioLab has "The Ball That Rolls Around the Rim" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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