Why Ball Around the Body works

Pass a soft ball around the waist and from hand to hand while standing or sitting securely. Use a soft lightweight ball that is easy for small hands to grip.

Set up — Use a soft lightweight ball that is easy for small hands to…

Prepare ball before the child is asked to use a soft lightweight ball that is easy for small hands to grip. Keep the space simple enough that the child can move from use a soft lightweight ball that is easy for small hands to grip to begin seated on the floor or standing with feet comfortably apart without rearranging everything. Keep the floor clear and the movement controlled while the child works through the first instruction to use a soft lightweight ball that is easy for small hands to grip.

Step 2 — Begin seated on the floor or standing with feet comfortably apart

One careful attempt to begin seated on the floor or standing with feet comfortably apart is enough at this stage. Before moving the ball around the body, compare that task with simply holding the soft lightweight ball. Ask the child what changes once both hands and a side-to-side path are involved.

Step 3 — Move the ball from one hand to the other in front, then…

Use the result of asking the child to move the ball from one hand to the other in front, then guide it around one side of the body and back to the front as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to reverse direction after a few turns until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 4 — Reverse direction after a few turns

Ask the child to reverse direction after a few turns. Compare what happens with the earlier step to move the ball from one hand to the other in front, then guide it around one side of the body and back to the front, then continue by asking them to reverse direction, count complete circles once the difference is clear.

Step 5 — Reverse direction, count complete circles

Let the child reverse direction, count complete circles and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to reverse direction, count complete circles.

What to notice before Reverse direction, count complete circles

Use the attempt to move the ball from one hand to the other in front, then guide it around one side of the body and back to the front as the observation point. If the child understands why they are next asked to reverse direction after a few turns, the final request to reverse direction, count complete circles should feel connected.

Make Move the ball from one hand to… easier or harder

A shorter version can finish after the child has tried to move the ball from one hand to the other in front, then guide it around one side of the body and back to the front, using this support: shorten the route, slow the pace, or use fewer actions. An advanced version can continue to reverse direction, count complete circles after you add one remembered action or direction change without increasing speed.

Finish after Reverse direction, count complete circles

Reverse direction, count complete circles. If the child can explain what happened, the activity has reached a complete ending. For another activity, use the activity search or create one with the activity generator.