Kidoloo
๐Ÿคซ

Silent Ball

Throw a soft ball around the room. Anyone who makes a sound is out.

For ages5y - 12y
Time available15 min
Prep1 min
Mess
Noise
YouThey need to play alone

The rare game that is genuinely active and genuinely quiet, which makes it perfect for flats and phone calls.

What you need

  • a soft ball or rolled up socks

How to do it

  1. Everyone stands or sits in a loose circle.
  2. Throw the ball gently to another player.
  3. Anyone who speaks, laughs out loud, or drops a good throw sits down.
  4. A bad throw puts the thrower out, not the catcher.
  5. Last one standing starts the next round.

Why this is good for them

Staying silent while doing something exciting is difficult and useful inhibitory practice. The rule that a bad throw puts the thrower out is worth keeping, because it makes children responsible for the quality of what they send rather than blaming the catcher.

Adapting by age

5 to 6 yearsSitting down only, and allow smiling.
10 to 12 yearsAdd a second ball once they are confident.

Keep it safe

Soft objects only, and agree that head shots do not count.

Cleanup tip

None.

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