“Few things make children happier than learning something new, feeling a new physical sensation, and finding out what their bodies can do. If we nurture and encourage a child’s natural abilities, his or her love for learning will continue throughout life.” Garland O’Quinn, Jr. PH.D., Teaching Developmental Gymnastics, University of Texas Press, Copyright 1990, Pg. 8.
Ball play is a powerful tool for learning that the whole family can enjoy together. Lead up skills in ball handling help children build muscle memory in the body, help develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, and offer opportunities to build self-confidence. Rhythm and song, along with lots of repetition, help create a playful atmosphere to explore and refine skills, while having fun!
Your one and a half to five year old will love this activity, especially when you try it along with them. Begin seated together on the floor, each with a ball in front of you, and sing the verses together as you try the actions below. Standard 8” balls, and beach balls, will work best. It’s a good idea to have lots of extra balls on hand!
Pat the Ball: Sing to the tune of “Ten Little Indians”
“Pat” the ball in rhythm with two hands while you sing (seated)
One little, two little, three little children,
Four little, five little, six little children,
Seven little, eight little, nine little children,
Ten little children go pat, pat, pat!
Pat, pat, pat the ball,
Pat, pat, pat the ball,
Pat, pat, pat the ball,
Pat the ball today!
“Spin” the ball in place with two hands (still seated)
Spin, spin, spin the ball,
Spin, spin, spin the ball,
Spin, spin, spin the ball,
Spin the ball today!
On your tummy, lie on the ball on the floor and “Roll” on the ball forward and back
Roll, roll, roll on the ball,
Roll, roll, roll on the ball,
Roll, roll, roll on the ball,
Roll on the ball today!
Sit on the ball (feet on floor) and “Bounce” on the ball
Sit, sit, and bounce on the ball,
Sit, sit, and bounce on the ball,
Sit, sit, and bounce on the ball,
Bounce on the ball today!
Sit or stand and “Toss” the ball in the air with two hands
Toss, toss, toss the ball,
Toss, toss, toss the ball,
Toss, toss, toss the ball,
Toss the ball today!
Stand and “Kick” the ball
Kick, kick, kick the ball,
Kick, kick, kick the ball,
Kick, kick, kick the ball,
Kick the ball today!
Sukey Molloy is a children’s music performer, award winning recording and video artist, and former professional modern dancer. Based in Nyack, NY, Sukey has studied Developmental Movement, Kidnastics, and Infant Development, and has designed and taught music and movement programs in nursery schools, after-school programs, and elementary schools. In 2005 Sukey launched her own program of “Mommy & Me” classes and teacher training workshops, creating PlayMove&Sing Inc. Sukey Molloy’s CDs and DVDs are available at www.SukeyMolloy.com.
nicole says
Thanks for.sharing! Love.the interaction and singing