Sensory games are a fun way to improve a child’s ability to move the body as a whole and to integrate the senses. They are an enjoyable way to teach necessary social skills like teamwork, turn taking and verbal/non-verbal communication. Ball Pass also develops core and leg strength, balance, and co-ordination. This game is adaptive for children with autism, dyslexia and other SPD’s, as well as children who are considered “neurotypical”. All children enjoy this game and like the challenge of using only their feet.
Ball Pass
You will need a rubber spikey ball, beach ball, basketball-sized Nerf ball, or other soft ball that the feet can grasp.
Have everyone sit in a circle.
Pass the ball from person to person using only your feet! The person receiving the ball has to “catch” it with their feet, and so on around the circle.
Young children and children with adaptive needs may have poor muscle tone and have difficulty with this task. They can play by rolling the ball with their feet to the next person. The idea is to build core & leg strength rather than to pass and catch perfectly.
Encourage the children by saying “Just do your best! Lets have fun!”
Older children can play by “throwing” and “catching” (with feet) to anyone within the circle.
Expand the game (for children 6 and up) by pairing auditory processing with the movement much like musical chairs: play music while the ball is being passed. Randomly stop the music, and when the music stops, everyone has to “freeze” including the person with the ball. Music starts, play continues.
Increase difficulty and sensory processing by adding a second ball, possibly of a different size, weight, colour and texture, to be passed around the circle.
The game is over when time is up or children start getting distratcted.
Thanks to Bodylogique a creative and adaptive yoga program which encourages children and families to stay healthy and have fun.
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I love this game and use it often in the first class of a new session. We first pass the ball and say our name and answer a question about yourself like, “what is your favorite ice cream?” or “what is you favorite thing to do during the spring?”
I also adapted this for parties. For a garden themed party, I start off with a smaller ball “Peter the rabbit” who is going around the garden eating veggies. Then I introduce the bigger ball, “Farmer Brown”, when “Peter” is half way around the circle. We see if Peter can go all around the circle before Farmer Brown catches him. The kids love it!
Thanks for the creative ideas on applying this game. My students also love it. Will have to try to Peter Rabbit and Farmer Brown version.
I like the Peter Rabbit Idea too! Will have to try that. Thanks!
I like the Peter Rabbit Idea too! Will have to try that. Thanks!
Thanks for the creative ideas on applying this game. My students also love it. Will have to try to Peter Rabbit and Farmer Brown version.