Ball Down the Ramp

What you need

• a flattened cereal box or the side of a delivery box
• a cushion
• a soft ball at least as big as a tennis ball

How to do it

1. Prop one end of a flattened cereal box or a delivery box's side on a cushion to make a low ramp.
2. Show your toddler a soft ball, bigger than their fist, rolling down the ramp and across the floor.
3. Hand them the ball and let them send it off from the top, then chase it together.
4. Add a second cushion to make the ramp steeper and try again.

Why it matters

Letting go of a ball at the top of a ramp and chasing where it goes is early timing and tracking, the same skills they will use kicking or throwing later. The ramp came out of the recycling and goes straight back once playtime is done.

What they're learning

Cause and effect

Letting go at the top and watching the ball speed off the bottom is a clear result they can repeat.

Balance

Chasing the ball as it rolls away asks for quick, steady footing.

Hand-eye coordination

Setting the ball straight on the ramp before letting go ties what they see to where their hands go.

What to look for

Watch for them running to where the ball will stop before it gets there, rather than being surprised each time.

A tip

Use a ball bigger than their fist so nothing on the ramp can go in a mouth, and wedge the ramp so it does not slide when they lean on it.

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