Playing with balls is fun and appropriate for children of all ages. Children can play with balls both outside and inside. There are many types and sizes of balls. Here are some activity ideas and facts about balls:
- You can teach young children how to take turns when rolling a ball back and forth to them. They can do this with other children once they learn how. Knowing how to take turns leads to learning about sharing. Sharing is something that young children are not able to understand.
- Rolling and throwing balls builds strong muscles.
- Balls come in all sizes and are made of hard and soft materials. It is best for young children to use balls made of soft materials.
- Balls can be played with everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
- Children can use large balls to sit or roll on.
- Older children enjoy playing basketball. Younger children can throw balls into laundry baskets or cardboard boxes. They can make balls from newspaper for this activity.
- You can make a game of a child chasing a ball that is rolling away. For safety, you must have guidelines for the child, outlining where the game may be played, before starting this activity.
CAUTION: Young children can choke on small objects and toy parts. All items used for children under three years of age and any children who put toys in their mouths should be at least 1¼ inch in diameter and between 1 inch and 2¼ inches in length. Oval balls and toys should be at least 1¾ inch in diameter. Toys should meet federal small parts standards. Any toys or games labeled as unsuitable for children under three should not be used.
Other items that pose a safety risk and should not be accessible to children under three include, but are not limited to: button batteries, magnets, plastic bags, styrofoam objects, coins, balloons, latex gloves, and glitter.
Activities 12-1 partial
