Aim of the game:
This is a great way of teaching your young child to take turns and watch for non-verbal communication clues. Singing also uses repetitive language so it can help children to learn the words “ball” and “roll” and any other action words you wish to introduce in the song such as “throw”, “bounce”, “kick” etc.
What you will need:
A ball – any ball the size of a tennis ball up to the size of a small football. Alternatively, you could blow up a balloon to use instead.
A willing singing voice!
How to play:
- Sit opposite your child so you are face to face, with just a few feet between you. You may wish to position your child’s legs open in a v-shape so that it’s easier for them to receive the ball.
- As you roll the ball towards them sing the ball song below:
“I roll the ball to [child’s name], I roll the ball to [child’s name], I roll the ball to [child’s name], he…rolls it back to me”
- If your child doesn’t automatically return the ball to you, cue them in by reaching your out stretched arms towards the ball and showing anticipation. You can also use another adult to support your child and show them what to do.
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Listen to The Ball Song audio clip
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How to extend:
- Introduce different action words to change up and introduce new vocabulary e.g. “I bounce the ball to [child’s name]…”
- Offer your child a choice of actions to return the ball to you. For example, ‘throw’, ‘kick’, ‘bounce’ etc.
- Encourage your child to request and ask for more by pausing at the end and waiting to see if they indicate they want to play again. You can cue them in by asking “more?”