Sharing a Ball is Fun!

Ball games naturally teach sharing, turn-taking, and physical control while making cooperation feel like play rather than work.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Create a circle with children seated on the floor. Introduce the activity: 'We're going to play sharing games with balls! Sharing isn't just about toys—it's about including our friends and making sure everyone has fun!'

Begin with simple ball rolling: 'I'm going to roll this ball to Marcus. Marcus, when you catch it, roll it to someone else and say their name!' This practices name recognition alongside sharing. Add the element of eye contact: 'Look at the friend you're rolling to!'

Introduce music to add tempo and excitement. While music plays, children pass balls around the circle. When music stops, whoever has the ball does a silly movement that everyone copies.

Progress to partner passing: pair children and give each pair one ball to toss gently back and forth. Coach: 'Look at your partner! Toss it easy so they can catch it! That's being a good friend!'

Close by reflecting: 'How did it feel when someone shared the ball with you? How did it feel to share it?' Connect physical sharing to emotional experiences.

Educator tip

Use verbal cues to reinforce sharing language: 'Your turn!' 'Thank you!' 'Here it comes!' Model these phrases and celebrate when children use them spontaneously.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Evaluate turn-taking ability, ball-handling gross motor skills, use of peers' names, and positive participation in group activities.

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