The Newspaper Trampoline

In groups of four, children hold the corners of a double newspaper sheet and bounce a paper ball on it like a trampoline. Children work on group coordination, adjusting force and cooperation.

How to play

1. Make groups of four, and each child holds a corner of an open double newspaper sheet (1 min).
2. Put a paper ball on top and roll it around the sheet without dropping it, raising and lowering the corners (2 min).
3. On three, lower and then quickly lift the sheet together so the ball pops up and lands back on it (3 min).
4. Count how many bounces in a row the group can do and try to beat it (3 min).
5. Walk together with the ball on the sheet to another group and pass it from trampoline to trampoline (2 min).
6. Put the sheets down and clap for the group next to you (1 min).

Rules

• Everyone holds their corner with both hands.
• Up and down all together: "One, two… three!"
• If the sheet rips, swap it and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the group lowers to the height of a child in a wheelchair, or everyone sits on the floor.
• Hearing impairment: a classmate counts on raised fingers that everyone watches.
• Less dexterity: reinforce the corners with tape or add clothespins for an easier grip.

Learning goals

• Coordinate one movement with several classmates at once.
• Adjust force so the ball pops up and comes back.
• Value the group's achievement over individual success.

Equipment for a class of 25

• newspaper sheets: 8
• newspaper balls: 8

Teacher tip

Reinforce the corners with masking tape before starting; that's where it rips. The typical mistake is everyone pulling at their own pace, so count out loud and make the "three!" a big whole-body move.

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