Scatter a handful of balloons, balls or lay out bubble wrap at the base of each slide. Children slide down that slide and try to either pop a balloon, kick a ball, or pop an air pocket on the bubble wrap with their feet. Children cannot use hands and can make only one attempt at each slide. Children continue to another slide and attempt to pop another balloon/bubble or kick a ball.
Play Elements: Combo (sliding, balancing, climbing)
Extra Equipment Needed: Lightweight balls, balloons, or bubble wrap
Benefits
- Emphasize kinesthetic awareness and the force quality of movement.
- Provides personal enjoyment and satisfaction.
Teaching Tips
- Position one child at the base of each slide (but outside of the exit pathway of the slider) to help keep the balloons or bubble wrap from scattering.
- Employ this activity near the end of class as a fun closure.
Safety Tips
- Make sure that the exit of the slide is properly surfaced and free of exposed concrete footers.
- Remind children to sit while sliding and to lean their weight forward as they try to pop the object on the ground. If children exit the slide with their feet too high they can lose balance and might hit the back of their head on the slide exit or on the surfacing.
- Ensure that there is sufficient playground safety surfacing under and around the equipment.
- Refrain from using balloons if any children have latex allergies.
- Be sure to collect and dispose of any pieces of popped bubble wrap or balloon material.
Variation
- Adaptation: Children who are unable to descend a slide can attempting popping from a seated position at the base of the slide.
Did You Know?
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and was written by Thomas Jefferson.
Download the activity pdf here.
