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

  1. 1
    Sit in circle with children
  2. 2
    Explain: pass ball while music plays, share when music stops
  3. 3
    Start music and begin passing ball around circle
  4. 4
    Stop music randomly - child with ball shares something about games
  5. 5
    Prompts: 'What makes games fun?' 'Who do you like to play with?'
  6. 6
    Continue for several rounds
  7. 7
    End with everyone saying something they learned
  8. 8
    Celebrate 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