Beach Ball Catch
What you need
- a beach ball, blown up only halfway so it is soft and easy to hold
How to do it
- Sit facing each other on grass or a rug, a long stride apart, legs out wide.
- Say "My turn" and toss the beach ball gently up and over, so it floats down to them.
- Say "Your turn" and let them throw it back however they like.
- Keep it going, "my turn, your turn", saying whose go it is every time.
Why it matters
A soft beach ball drifts down slowly, so sitting with arms open gives them plenty of time to gather it in, and the back and forth makes it a game of turns.
What they're learning
- Catching
- Arms open, then wrapping round the ball as it lands.
- Taking turns
- "My turn, your turn" said every time the ball changes hands.
- Throwing
- Sending a big, light ball back with two hands.
What to look for
Notice them holding their arms open as the ball floats down.
A tip
Blow it up yourself and push the stopper in flat, and put the ball away if it splits or a piece tears off. Outside, keep it to still days, so the wind cannot carry it towards a road or water. Bare feet or socks on a rug, shoes on grass.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: roll it to them along the ground first, then try a short, slow toss
Harder: kneel up instead of sitting, still close together
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Gross motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a ball