Move the Ball
Here's What To Do
1
Use the ball to play different games. Your child can suggest how they’d like to use the ball - throw, roll, kick, or a combination of all three!
2
Include different speeds and directions. For example, move quickly as you kick the ball towards each other, or throw the ball towards a specific target.
3
After a while, take turns calling out instructions. For example, “throw the ball hard,” “roll the ball slowly,” “kick the ball towards that wall.”
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Do a few arm, leg and whole body stretches together.
E
Engage:
- “What should we do with the ball first? Roll, kick or throw it?”
- “Should we throw it to each other quickly or slowly?”
E
Encourage:
- Decrease the distance between you and your child, and roll or throw the ball more gently.
- Model how to catch, kick and throw the ball. “Look at how I hold out my hands to help me catch the ball. You try.”
R
Reflect:
- “Did you prefer to move the ball quickly or slowly? Why?”
Not quite ready?
Practice moving the ball slowly before increasing the speed.
Ready for more?
Create simple challenges with the ball, e.g. kick or throw the ball into a goal. You can also use a smaller ball that will be more challenging to manipulate.
As your child masters this skill...
They will develop greater coordination of objects like balls while playing.