Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Movement · The activity desk
Towel ball teamwork
Work together to roll a lightweight ball across a towel.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A small towel and a large, lightweight child-appropriate ball.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Clear a flat play space and hold one end of the towel while the child holds the other.
Adult's role: Stay close, control the towel with the child, and adjust the game to their comfort.
Let's make it happen
- Set the ball in the middle of the towel while each person holds an end.
- Lift one end a little, then the other, to roll the ball back and forth.
- Count the rolls together and try moving slowly or quickly if you like.
Make it simpler: Keep the towel on the floor and roll the ball across it together.
Clean up: Put away the ball and towel.
Use a ball too large to fit in a child's mouth and keep the towel away from faces and necks.