Stocking Wrecking Ball

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Floor

Why it helps

This activity turns your child into a playful construction worker! By wearing a stocking with a ball on their head, they use their whole body to knock over block towers. It is a fantastic way to help them understand where their body is in space. Moving their head and torso to aim the wrecking ball builds strong tummy and back muscles. It also challenges their balance as they move in new ways. Your little one will love the excitement of the crash while they work on their focus. It is a fun, high-energy game that feels like a party in the living room!

Steps

Place a tennis ball into the toe of a long stocking.
Slide the open end of the stocking over your child's head like a hat.
The stocking should hang down with the ball near their chest or waist.
Use masking tape to mark a small circle on the floor for your child to stand in.
Help your child build three tall towers using the blocks just outside the circle.
Ask your child to keep their feet inside the tape circle.
Challenge them to swing their body and head to make the ball hit the towers.
Cheer as the blocks tumble down and then build them up again!

Safety tip: Ensure your child is in a clear area away from sharp furniture. Adult supervision is required to ensure the stocking does not cover the child's face or eyes.

Make it easier

Use a knee sock instead of a long stocking so the ball hangs closer and is easier to aim.
Build one wide tower right next to the circle.
Use light towers of empty boxes or paper cups that fall with a small tap.

Make it harder

Knock the towers down in a set order, like left, middle, then right.
Ask your child to keep their hands behind their back the whole time.
Move the towers a little farther out so your child has to bend and twist more.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child swings from the hips and trunk or mostly from the neck. Moving from the hips keeps the neck comfortable.
Watch whether your child keeps both feet inside the circle while twisting.
If the stocking on the head feels strange, let your child hold the open end in one hand and swing it like a pendulum instead.

Where this helps in daily life

Twisting and bending the trunk with feet planted is the body control kids use to pull on pants while standing, reach for a seat belt, and turn to throw a ball.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.