Where's My Ball Riding?
Each child has a soft ball and holds it with the body part the teacher names: under the chin, between the knees, in a bent elbow. Then they try to move without dropping it. Kids build awareness of each body part, posture control and coordination.
How to play
- Spread out in the gym, each child with a soft ball. Free exploring: "Which body parts can hold your ball without hands?" (2 min).
- Teacher cues, modeling each one: "Under your chin!", "Between your knees!", "In your bent elbow!", "Under your arm!" Standing still (3 min).
- Now moving: "Carry your ball in your elbow and walk slowly around the gym." If it drops, pick it up and keep going (4 min).
- Sitting: ball between the feet, lift the legs; lying on the tummy, the teacher sets the ball on the child's back (3 min).
- In pairs, one calls a body part and the other holds the ball there; switch when the tambourine rings (2 min).
Rules
- If the ball drops, no problem: pick it up and keep going.
- Move slowly and watch where you step.
- Take care of your own ball and don't take anyone else's.
- Never throw balls at classmates.
Variations
Easier
Just hold the ball in place, no traveling.
Standard
Hold it and walk slowly, one body part at a time.
Harder
Carry two balls on two different parts, or hop with the ball between the knees.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hold the ball with the neck, elbow or between arm and side from the wheelchair.
- Low vision: use a ball with a bell, and the teacher touches the child's body part to show where.
- Different skill levels: big light balls for kids who struggle, small ones for skilled kids.
Learning goals
- Feel and name different body parts.
- Adjust posture to hold an object without hands.
- Coordinate moving with ball control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 22
Teacher tip
Hand out balls one at a time from a hoop or basket to avoid a rush. Model each part with humor: if your ball drops, laugh and pick it up.
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