Hot Potato

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Age
3-5 years
Child Development
counting; vocabulary development (opposites: hard and soft, high and low); being a role model
Equipment
1 balloon per child
Physical Activity

developing movement skills (eye-hand coordination)

How to Play

1. Use hands to keep the balloon in the air by tapping it upward.

2. Use one hand, the other hand, and then both hands.

3. Hit soft, hit hard, hit high, and hit low.

Change it up / Alternatives / Additional Options

1. Use a paddle bat to tap the balloon up.

2. Work in pairs to tap the balloon back and forth.

3. Count how many taps you can do while keeping the balloon off the ground. Keep count with Potato Rhymes.

Notes

Safety Tip: Dispose of balloons and balloon debris after use as it is a choking hazard. A homemade balloon cover can be used to help with safety. Some children with disabilities (in particular spina bifida) are allergic to latex, so latex-free balloons are recommended.