• Manipulative objects such as playground balls or tennis balls.

Students will practice manipulating and catching objects in their own personal space using only their hands to catch rather than trapping it against their body.

Students will also practice identifying directions such as high and low as well as their right and left hands and strengthening their bilateral coordination.

Make sure students understand what "personal space" is

Start off the activity with larger manipulative objects such as 8" playground balls to increase the rate of success.

If you have students who are unable to catch, tell them to "hug the ball" when it comes close to their body (then eventually work on getting them to use just their hands).

Students are in their own personal space.

Following is a list of different types of manipulative movements and equipment that you can use depending upon the abilities of your students. Students attempt the following tasks as the teacher calls them out:

Playground Balls

Bounce and catch

Bounce and catch as low as you can

Bounce and catch as high as you can

Bounce the ball and clap your hands once before you catch it

Bounce the ball and clap your hands two (or three) times before you catch it

Toss the ball in the air, let it bounce, and then catch it

Toss the ball in the air and catch it

Toss the ball in the air and clap your hands one (two or three) times before you catch it

Tennis Balls

Try the same tasks as the playground balls. Start off using two hands for the task and then attempt these one-handed tasks.

Bounce and catch using your right hand

Bounce and catch using your left hand

Bounce with your right hand and catch with your left (and vice-versa)

Toss and catch the ball with your right hand (and then left)

Toss the ball with your right hand and catch it with your left (and vice-versa)

You may also attempt these tasks with beanbags, yarn balls, balloons, and even scarves (although these types of equipment do not bounce).

Balloons and scarves are great for students who are having trouble with hand-eye coordination. These objects tend to “float” in the air which allows the student to track it longer and be more successful at catching it before it hits the ground.