Beginning to Bounce

Age: Kindergartenbeachball

Equipment: Balls

Space requirements: Open space

Activity Description:

  • Each child sets up in an open space with a ball.
  • Children explore and experiment with bouncing a ball. Challenge the children to bounce the ball in as many ways as they can while keeping the ball in control. Children complete the following challenges:
    • Sitting in a straddle position, bounce and catch ball in front, on the right and on the left.
    • Kneeling, use two hands to bounce the ball in front and to the right and to the left.
    • Standing, continue with the two-handed bouncing, trying not to move their feet.
    • Bounce the ball with either the right or left hand, in front, to the right and to the left.
    • Bounce the ball at various heights (high, medium and low).

Skill development:

  • Physical skills: manipulating an object; eye-hand coordination; spatial awareness
  • Non-physical skills: sharing; self-discovery; creative play

Adjust the challenge:

  • Have different balls available and allow children to select the ball which offers the optimal level of challenge for them.
  • Children can work with a partner.
  • Children can develop a sequence by stringing together movements.

Activity modified from: Ophea Early Learning Resource

Posted in 4-6 years (Kindergarten), A-B, Equipment required, Open space

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