â Back to Under 5s Games
â―
Pass the Ball
A ball is passed around. Whoever catches it must say a vocabulary word.
âą 5-10 min⥠Medium energyðĨ Whole class in a circle
ð Vocabulary
âĒ any lesson vocabulary
âĒ animals
âĒ colours
âĒ numbers
âĒ food
ð Materials
âĒ A soft ball or beanbag
ð How to Play
- Children sit or stand in a circle.
- Teacher establishes a vocabulary category â for example: "Animals!"
- Teacher passes the ball to a child.
- That child must say an animal word in English and pass the ball to someone else.
- No word can be repeated â if a child repeats a word or cannot think of one, they sit down.
- Last child standing wins.
- For younger children, play without elimination â just practise together.
ðĄ Teacher Tips
âUse a soft ball or beanbag â safer and quieter in the classroom.
âStart with a category children know well to build confidence.
âModel the activity first â teacher passes and says a word a few times.
âUse a timer for older children â they must answer within 5 seconds.
ð Variations
âEach child says the NEXT word in a sequence â days of the week, numbers, alphabet.
âChild must say the word AND spell it.
âPlay in teams â most correct answers wins.
Want full 50-minute lesson plans for Under 5s?