Back to Games Unit Activities
Passing the Ball Game
15 minutes
Whole Class
Circle Time
Learning Objectives
- Practice sharing and cooperation
- Develop listening skills
- Build confidence in speaking
- Experience Caribbean music and rhythm
Preparation
- Arrange chairs or spots in circle
- Choose soft, safe ball
- Select lively Caribbean music
- Prepare questions about games
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Sit in circle with children
- 2Explain: pass ball while music plays, share when music stops
- 3Start music and begin passing ball around circle
- 4Stop music randomly - child with ball shares something about games
- 5Prompts: 'What makes games fun?' 'Who do you like to play with?'
- 6Continue for several rounds
- 7End with everyone saying something they learned
- 8Celebrate all sharing
Materials Needed
- Soft ball
- Music player
- Upbeat Caribbean music
Assessment
- Child passes ball appropriately
- Child shares when holding ball
- Child listens to others' sharing
- Child shows positive attitude
Key Vocabulary
pass
share
listen
music
stop
turn
together
Safety Notes
- Use soft ball only
- Ensure circle has enough space
- Monitor volume of music
Teaching Tips
- Keep sharing prompts simple and open-ended
- Support shy children with encouragement
- Use music from children's cultures
- Make it feel like celebration, not test
Extensions
- Use different types of music
- Change sharing topics
- Let children suggest questions
- Add movement while passing