Motor Planning/Body Integration: Pass the Ball

This might be fun as a fairly brief large group activity - - repeat often.

Objectives

Children ages 2 ½ -4 can imitate body movements and motor planning GM IX
ages 2-3 can follow directions in a group game Lang. IA
nd ages 1 ½-2 can grasp and release a large ball GM VII A
All children can learn bilateral coordination.

Materials

Large ball or small pillow.

Procedures

1. Have the children sit in a circle facing the circle's center. Tell them that they are going to play a game with a ball. The ball will be passed around the circle, each child handing it, with both hands, to the next child. The object of the game is to hand the ball over in the same way it was received.

2. Have the children turn around to face away from the center of the circle and pass the ball around with two hands.

3. Have the children alternate, one child facing in, one child facing out, and have them pass the ball using two hands.

4. Have them sit in a single file circle facing the back of the child in front and have them pass the ball over their heads. Then have them stand up and pass the ball between their legs using two hands.

5. If silliness or tossing the ball becomes popular, try using different objects: pillow, block, etc.