Magic Ball

To help students apply the concept of moving in different directions

One medium-sized ball of any type; hula hoops, poly spot, or other such space markers for each child

Once students have been introduced to the different directions of up, down, forward, backward, and sideways (for grade 2 students: may wish to be specific with "right" and "left"), let them know they will be moving to a "Magic Ball" today. What's magic about it is that whenever the ball moves, they will move, too!

Have the students move to a self space, using the space markers if desired. Make sure all the students can see and hear you well. Holding the "magic ball", begin to slowly move it in different directions around your body. The children should follow the movements of the ball. Be sure to mix the directions up, sometimes going at a faster speed and sometimes slower, to keep the suspense up!

For example:

1. Move the ball down to the ground: students sink or melt as far down as the ball goes; if it goes to the floor, students lay on the floor;
2. Begin to move the ball up; students rise along with the ball;
3. Move the ball up and down more quickly; students jump up and down;
4. Move the ball sideways to the right or left; students move right or left as far as the ball moves;
5. Push the ball away from your middle for "forwards"; move it toward your middle for "backwards".

This activity can also be used to assess students' knowledge of the different directions. As you move the "magic ball" up, down, right, left, etc., have the students write down the specific direction it was moved in on their paper. You may wish to post the direction words on a wall nearby to aid students in spelling the words, or you may encourage them to spell the best they can.