Playing with balls is a fun and engaging way for preschoolers to develop their motor, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Whether playing with soft, inflatable, or sports balls, numerous activities can keep preschoolers entertained and active.
Playing with balls can provide numerous benefits for preschoolers
Gross motor development:
Playing with balls helps preschoolers develop their gross motor skills as they learn to throw, catch, kick, and bounce the ball. These movements help them improve their hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall physical coordination.
Social development:
Playing with balls in groups or pairs can help preschoolers develop their social skills as they learn to share, take turns, and communicate with others.
Cognitive development:
Playing with balls can also help preschoolers develop their cognitive skills as they learn about cause and effect, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.
Emotional development:
Playing with balls can also benefit preschoolers emotionally as it provides them with a fun and engaging way to release energy and reduce stress, which can improve their mood and overall well-being.
Language development:
Playing with balls can also help preschoolers develop their language skills as they communicate with others while playing, learn new words related to the game, and follow directions given by adults or other children.
15 of the best and most fun ball activities for preschoolers
Ball rolling
Rolling a ball is a fun and simple activity that can help young children develop their gross motor skills and coordination. Here are some tips for teaching kids how to roll a ball:
- Start with a softball: Choose a soft ball that is easy for your child to handle and won’t hurt them if it hits them accidentally.
- Demonstrate: Show your child how to hold the ball and how to roll it on the ground.
- Practice: Encourage your child to try rolling the ball back and forth with you. Start with short distances and gradually increase the distance as they become more comfortable.
- Use obstacles: You can make the activity more challenging and fun by placing obstacles in the way that the ball has to roll around or over.
Balloon volleyball
Balloon volleyball is a fun and easy activity for kids that can be played indoors or outdoors. All you need is a balloon and a bit of space to play.
To set up the game, divide the space into two halves and use a rope or a piece of tape to mark the boundary between the two halves. The goal is to keep the balloon in the air and pass it back and forth over the net without it touching the ground.
The game can be played with two or more players on each side, and it’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and teamwork skills.
To make the game more challenging, you can adjust the height of the net or add more players to each side. Balloon volleyball is a fun and low-cost activity that can provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages.
Color sorting
Color sorting is a great ball activity for kids that can help them develop their color recognition skills and hand-eye coordination.
To set up the activity, gather a variety of balls in different colors and place them in a large container. You can use soft, plastic, or even small stuffed balls. Then, ask your child to sort the balls by color and place them in different piles or containers.
You can make the activity more challenging by adding more colors, mixing up the balls, or using a timer to see how quickly your child can sort the balls.
Color sorting with balls is a fun and educational activity that can keep kids engaged and entertained for hours. Plus, it’s an easy way to introduce your child to the concept of sorting and categorizing.
Target practice
Preschoolers can practice their aim by throwing balls at targets, such as cardboard boxes or hula hoops placed on the ground.
Ball bouncing
Softballs can be used to teach preschoolers how to bounce a ball, improving their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Ball pit
An inflatable ball pit can provide endless fun for preschoolers, allowing them to jump, dive, and play in a soft and safe environment.
Sensory balls
Sensory balls are a fun and engaging way for kids to explore their senses and improve their motor skills.
These balls come in a variety of textures, sizes, and colors, and they are designed to stimulate the senses through touch and sight. Some examples of sensory balls include squishy balls, bumpy balls, and light-up balls.
To play with sensory balls, simply provide your child with a variety of different types of balls and let them explore the different textures and sensations.
Simon says
Preschoolers can play Simon Says with balls, following instructions to throw, catch, or roll the ball in different ways.
Group ball games
Preschoolers can play simple ball games such as kickball, dodgeball, or capture the flag, helping them develop their teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship skills.
Obstacle courses
Balls can be used as part of an obstacle course, with preschoolers having to navigate around or through obstacles while carrying or rolling a ball.
Musical balls
Musical balls are a fun activity that combines music and movement with ball play. To set up the activity, scatter a bunch of balls around the room or in a designated play area. Start playing music and encourage the children to move around and dance to the beat.
When the music stops, they must quickly grab and hold a ball. Each round, one ball is taken out of the game so that there is always one less ball than the number of children playing. The child without a ball is eliminated, and the game continues until only one child is left with a ball.
Ball painting
Ball painting is a fun and creative activity that combines ball play with art. Cover a large piece of paper with paint and place it inside a large container or tray to set up the activity.
Then, add a ball to the container and encourage your child to move the ball around by rolling, bouncing, or tossing it.
As the ball moves around, it will create colorful tracks on the paper, resulting in a unique and beautiful piece of art. You can experiment with different types of balls and paint colors to create different effects.
Toss and catch
Toss and catch is a classic ball activity for kids that can help develop their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
To play, start by standing a short distance apart from your child and gently tossing the ball to them. Encourage them to catch the ball and toss it back to you.
As they become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your child or switch to a smaller or more challenging ball.
Bowling
Softballs and plastic pins can be used to create a mini bowling alley, with preschoolers trying to knock down as many pins as possible.
Balance games
Preschoolers can practice their balance and coordination by trying to balance balls on different body parts, such as their hands, feet, or nose.
In conclusion, playing with balls can be a fun and engaging way for preschoolers to develop their motor, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Numerous activities can keep preschoolers entertained and active, whether playing with soft, inflatable, or sports balls. The above list provides just a few examples of the many ball activities preschoolers of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)