The Mouse Rolling Down the Mountain

From the top of a ramp (a board or bench propped on a mat) the teacher lets ball-mice roll down, and the child waiting at the bottom stops each mouse by stepping on it with the sole. It builds tracking an approaching object and timing the step.

How to play

1. The teacher sets up two ramps by propping one end of a board on a folded mat and explains: “The mouse rolls down; I catch it with my sole” (2 min).
2. Taking turns, a child stands one step from the bottom of the ramp and stops the mouse with the sole (3 min).
3. After stopping their mouse, the child dribbles it to the basket and goes to the back of the short line (2 min).
4. Fast mice: the teacher raises the ramp a little or lets the mouse go from higher up (2 min).
5. Children take over releasing: one lets the mouse go, a friend stops it, then they switch (2 min).
6. Everyone dribbles one mouse into the mouse hole (basket) (1 min).

Rules

• I wait my turn behind the line.
• I stop the mouse with my sole, no kicking.
• Nobody stands in front of the ramp unless it’s their turn.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated at the bottom of the ramp, stop the mouse by hand or with the wheelchair footrest.
• Visual impairment: a ball with a bell and a “Here it comes!” before release.
• Autism: a short, visible line with “wait” and “stop” picture cards.

Learning goals

• Track an approaching object with the eyes.
• Step on the ball at the right moment.
• Take turns in small groups.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Wide board or gym bench: 2
• Mat: 2

Teacher tip

Set up two or three ramps so lines stay at four or five kids max. Make sure the board doesn’t slide; an adult holding it is best.

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