The Fan Racket
Each child gets to know their cardboard racket by moving it in lots of ways: fan, steering wheel, mirror or broom. It works on gripping the racket and loosening the wrist and shoulder before playing mini tennis.
How to play
- The teacher hands out the rackets and shows how to hold them by the handle like a handshake (1 min).
- With soft music, we fan our faces slowly, then quickly, with one hand and then the other (1 min).
- The racket is a steering wheel: we drive around the space and turn one way and the other (1 min).
- The racket is a mirror: we look at ourselves, lift it, lower it and pass it behind our back (1 min).
- Air swings: we gently hit an imaginary ball in front of us and to the side of the body (1 min).
- We put the racket on the floor, shake out our hands and breathe (1 min).
Rules
- Always hold the racket by the handle.
- Rackets never touch a friend.
- When the music stops, the racket rests on the floor.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just fan and steering wheel, holding the racket with two hands if needed.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add the mirror and switch hands when the teacher says so.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, do air swings on the racket-hand side and on the other side.
Adaptations
- Less hand strength: use a shorter racket or wrap the handle in tape for a better grip.
- Visual impairment: tie a bell to the handle and give short spoken cues right next to the child.
- Autism: let the child explore the racket for a moment first and keep the same order of shapes every time.
Learning goals
- Hold a racket safely by the handle.
- Loosen up the wrist, elbow and shoulder.
- Get comfortable with the equipment before mini tennis.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cardboard rackets: 25
- Music
Teacher tip
Make the rackets from two layers of cardboard glued together, with the handle wrapped in duct tape. The usual mistake is holding it by the face, so show the racket 'handshake' again.
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