Pass the ball circle
2–3 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Soft ball
Sit in a circle with your child and any family members or stuffed animals. Roll a soft ball to your child, then have them roll it to the next person or toy. Guide them to say the person's name before rolling. This teaches them to wait, watch, and participate in group activities.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Sit in a circle with your child and any family members or stuffed animals. Roll a soft ball to your child, then have them roll it to the next person or toy. Guide them to say the person's name before rolling. This teaches them to wait, watch, and participate in group activities.
Why It Works
Cooperative play activities like this teach children to coordinate their actions with others, a key social competence skill. Children who develop strong social skills during this period are 54% more likely to earn a high school diploma and twice as likely to graduate from college (Jones et al., 2015). Group activities provide natural opportunities to practice sharing attention and participating in joint activities.
Tips for Parents
Keep the circle small at first, with just two or three participants.
Use a soft, easy-to-catch ball that won't roll away too fast.
Praise your child when they wait for their turn and when they successfully pass to others.
Materials Needed
Soft ball
Learning Methods
Social Learning Through PeersSymbolic and Pretend PlayInteractive Play-Based Learning
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