Instructional Strategy of the Week: Kinesthetic Learners

Some scholars need to move  to focus on learning tasks in the classroom.  Sitting still can be exhausting for young learners, so I have found a way to rejuvenate the kinesthetic learners in the classroom and get them focused.  “Silent Speed Ball” is the name of the instructional strategy.  Yes, it is a game that involves a ball; however, the ball can be a soft foam ball  or a rubber squeaker ball (size of a grapefruit).  The strategy of the game is to remain quiet, throw the ball appropriately (in the catch-zone), and catch the ball.  Most often, scholars are eliminated for talking; scholars have to focus on not speaking or making a sound and catching the ball, which helps students quiet their minds and focus.  After playing a game of “Silent Speed Ball” students seem more settled and focused on either a learning task, or transitioning to the next class; this strategy can be used at the beginning of class or at the end.  A game of Silent Speed Ball should be played for five to 10 minutes; no more than 10 minutes because then scholars will sometimes lose focus and rules become blurred. Try it and see for yourself.

Silent Speed Ball Rules

1. Find a ball that is the size of a grape fruit or as big as a basketball or soccer ball. Depending on the size of the classroom; the smaller the classroom the smaller the ball. 
2. Players should remain quiet at all times during the game. 
3. The ball should be thrown in the “catch zone” (between under the chin and above the waist; in front of the person). The ball should not be thrown to a person’s knees, head, above the head, far left, or far right; directly in front of the person. (Students have to focus on throwing the ball correctly.)
4. If the thrower throws the ball outside of the “catch zone” and the receiver does not catch the ball, the thrower is out; it does not matter if the receiver touched the ball. (Students like adding in the fact that the receiving person touched the ball). However, if the receiver does catch the ball, then no one is out. 
5. If the ball is thrown in the “catch zone” and the receiver drops the ball, then the receiver is out. 
6. Players should not have the ball for more than three seconds (hence the name Silent SPEED Ball). 
7. Balls should not be thrown hard, only fast. 

Try this game during the last five minutes or first five minutes of class. This game definitely helps scholars focus their minds. The students will love this game and teachers can bribe scholars with this game by suggesting to them if a particular learning task is complete, then maybe they can play Silent Speed Ball during the last five minutes of class. This game is terrific!