Tick-Tock on the Ball’s Roof

With the ball still in front of them, children tap its “roof” with the sole of one foot, then the other, like a clock going tick-tock to the drum. It builds alternating feet, balance, and rhythm.

How to play

1. Each child has a still ball in front; the teacher shows: “tick” right sole on top, “tock” left sole on top (1 min).
2. Slow clock: very slow taps with the drum, putting the foot back on the ground each time (1 min).
3. Regular clock: the drum goes a little faster and we keep the tick-tock (1 min).
4. Crazy clock: fast, slow, fast… and when the drum stops, “Twelve o’clock!”: foot on top and freeze (1 min).
5. Sleepy clock: tick-tock slower and slower until we stop (1 min).

Rules

• The ball doesn’t move: we tap the top without pushing.
• One foot, then the other, like a clock.
• If I lose the beat, I stop and start again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated in a chair, tap the ball with a foot or a hand to the beat.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher shows the beat with an arm moving up and down as well as the drum.
• Less balance: ball against the wall or inside a rubber ring so it doesn’t roll.

Learning goals

• Alternate feet to a beat.
• Keep balance while placing a foot on an object.
• Watch where the foot lands.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Use soft balls that don’t roll much: hard balls slip away and someone falls. Three-year-olds tend to put their whole weight on the ball; remind them “tap, don’t climb.”

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