Age Group: 2-5 years
Objective
- Foster social interaction and collaboration.
- Develop hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
- Encourage turn-taking and communication.
Materials Needed
- A soft ball (large enough for little hands to handle easily).
- A spacious area where children can sit comfortably in a circle (indoors or outdoors).
Setup
- Arrange the children in a circle, sitting cross-legged or on small chairs.
- Ensure there is enough space between children to roll the ball freely without obstacles.
Instructions
- Introduction: Explain to the children that they will play a game where they roll the ball to each other. Encourage them to roll the ball gently and take turns.
- Name Game: Start by having each child call out the name of the person they are rolling the ball to. For example, “I’m rolling the ball to Sarah!” This helps children learn each other’s names.
- Counting Game: As the ball is rolled, count the number of passes the group can make without stopping. Try to beat their previous score!
- Rolling Variations:
- Have children roll the ball slower or faster.
- Ask them to use only one hand or their non-dominant hand.
Extensions
- Storytime Rolling: As each child rolls the ball, they add a word or sentence to a group story, creating a collaborative tale.
- Sing-Along Rolling: Pair the activity with a favourite song. Each time the ball is rolled, everyone sings the next line.
- Emotion Exploration: Have children roll the ball while sharing how they feel, e.g., “I feel happy today!”
Learning Outcomes
- Social Skills: Practice turn-taking, teamwork, and communication.
- Physical Development: Enhance hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills through controlled ball rolling.
- Language Development: Build vocabulary and listening skills by naming friends or sharing thoughts.
- Emotional Development: Encourage self-expression by incorporating feelings into the activity.
This simple but meaningful activity helps children bond, learn cooperation, and develop motor skills in a playful, inclusive way!