Roll the ball together
1–2 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Soft ball or rolled-up socks
Sit on the floor across from your child and roll a ball back and forth. This simple turn-taking game helps your child learn to wait, watch, and respond. Start close together so success comes easily. Clap and smile when they roll it back to you.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Sit on the floor across from your child and roll a ball back and forth. This simple turn-taking game helps your child learn to wait, watch, and respond. Start close together so success comes easily. Clap and smile when they roll it back to you.
Why It Works
Turn-taking games like this build the foundation for cooperative play and social interaction. Research shows that early social skills predict later success, with kindergarten social competence strongly linked to educational completion and employment in adulthood (Jones et al., 2015). At this age, children learn best through imitation and repetition of simple social routines.
Tips for Parents
Start just a few feet apart so the ball reaches easily.
Say 'your turn' and 'my turn' to help them learn the pattern.
If they keep the ball, that's normal. Gently ask for it back and try again.
Materials Needed
Soft ball or rolled-up socks
Learning Methods
Imitation and ModelingBeginning Symbolic Play
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