Bounce And Catch
What you need
- a large, light ball that bounces, bigger than their head
How to do it
- On a patio or a clear bit of hard floor away from furniture, kneel down a short way in front of them.
- Drop the ball once and catch it as it comes back up, so they see the bounce.
- Bounce it gently to them so it rises to their middle, and see what they do.
- Swap jobs: hand it over and let them bounce it to you.
Why it matters
A bounce slows the ball down and sends it up to their middle, so there is a moment to watch it rise and get their arms round it.
What they're learning
- Catching after a bounce
- Arms meeting the ball on its way up.
- Tracking
- Eyes following the ball down to the ground and up again.
- Bouncing
- Sending the ball back down with two hands.
What to look for
Watch for their eyes following the ball down to the ground and back up.
A tip
Pick a soft ball that is not too bouncy, so it rises gently to their middle and never up to their face. Trainers or non-slip socks, and outside, a flat place away from roads, slopes and water, where a missed ball cannot roll far.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: sit right in front of them and bounce it so softly it barely leaves the ground
Harder: stand up and bounce it from one small step further away
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Gross motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a ball