http://ifnotyouwho.org/activities/printer-friendly/activity_21_physical_activity

Login

Helping adults prepare children for kindergarten and life.

Gathering Tennis Balls (Fine Motor)

Developing finger dexterity, using target words, empty and full, and following directions

Month 1 · Activity 21 · Physical Activity  

Instructions

  • Make a yellow square (square has 4 straight sides all same length and 4 corners) from a sheet of yellow construction paper
  • Help the child measure and cut out the square (Month 1 Activity 3)
  • Ask the child to stand on the yellow square
  • Give a child a full can of yellow tennis balls
  • Ask the child to empty the can by turning it upside down
  • Let the child gather up the yellow balls, and place in the can to make it full again and return to the yellow square
  • Ask the child to touch the tennis balls and say how they feel
  • Ask the child to empty the can again by turning upside down
  • Ask the child to put one ball in the can, return to the yellow square and ask if the can is full (no) 
  • Empty the can again
  • Ask the child to gather the balls but leave one ball out of the can
  • Return to yellow square. Ask if the can is full (no)
  • Ask the child to empty the can
  • Ask the child to gather up the yellow balls to make the can full (all 3 balls)
  • Return to the yellow square

Simplify

Prepare a yellow square for the child. Do each activity first and have the child duplicate your actions. For example, say "Stand on the yellow square" and adult stands on yellow square.  Next, ask child to "Stand on the yellow square". Hold a full can of tennis balls.  Let the child hold the full can of tennis balls.  Continue through all of the instructions with you being the "leader" and the child the "follower".  Encourage the child to be the "leader" next and the adult the "follower".  Let the child make up their own set of instructions using the yellow square and tennis balls. 

Extend

See how many times they can empty and fill the tennis ball can in one minute. You can set a timer, watch the clock, or count aloud to 60.

Try to pick up a tennis ball with your toes

 

QUESTIONS FOR CHILD

What shape is a tennis ball?

How is the game of tennis played?

How many balls does it take to make the tennis ball can full?

Video Demo:

http://ifnotyouwho.org/videos/activity_videos/INYW1Y1MAct21.mp4

Materials

  • can of yellow tennis balls (use lemons, golf balls, ping pong balls, roll up socks as balls, or other small balls and a bowl instead of tennis can)
  • yellow paper square

Activity Resources

  • Language Skills
  • Math & Science Skills
  • Motor Skills
  • Problem Solving Skills