The Giant Ball Travels Over the Arm Bridge

Sitting on the floor or in chairs in a tight line, children pass a giant ball over their heads, and whoever passes it moves to the back to make the bridge longer. It builds teamwork and arm and trunk coordination, in a game where nobody's height matters.

How to play

1. Sit on the floor or in chairs in a tight line, all facing the same way (1 min).
2. Warm up the bridge: pass a beach ball overhead from hand to hand, slowly (2 min).
3. Here comes the giant ball: everyone pushes it back without letting it touch the floor (3 min).
4. Once the ball has passed, the first child moves to the back of the line by walking, crawling or rolling their wheelchair, so the bridge travels across the space (3 min).
5. New bridge: pass the ball along one side by twisting the trunk, then back on the other side (2 min).
6. Everyone rolls the ball back to its spot together (1 min).

Rules

• We push the ball gently, never throw it.
• I watch for it coming and open my hands.
• If it falls, the closest kids lift it back up.
• We all make the bridge.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the whole group is seated, so the child takes part equally; if their arms don't reach overhead, the ball passes at chest height in their section.
• Blind or low vision: the child in front calls "Coming!" when the ball arrives, and use a ball that contrasts with the ceiling.
• Autism: place the child at the front or back of the line with less contact, and preview what will happen with a picture.

Learning goals

• Coordinate actions with classmates toward a shared goal.
• Move arms and trunk in different directions.
• Enjoy a cooperative challenge where everyone is needed.

Equipment for a class of 25

• giant ball: 1
• beach balls: 2

Teacher tip

A giant ball inflated to about three quarters is easier to control. Keep children very close together: the classic mistake is a line with gaps where the ball drops.

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