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Ball games to boost language

Did you know that ball games don't just help children with their motor development, they can also help develop language and social skills?

Passing a ball back and forth helps children understand whose turn it is next and teaches them about sharing, playing together and being inclusive.

These are important social skills necessary for a successful conversation.

Watch the video below to find out about the many other ways passing a ball can help boost your child's language.

If you don't have a ball, don't worry! Why not try the games in the video with some rolled-up socks, a cushion or a teddy?

What are the language benefits of playing with a ball?

  • Playing ball games can help children with turn-taking skills.
  • Throwing the ball back and forth mimics a conversation and shows children how a conversation works.
  • Talking about the ball itself provides an opportunity for vocabulary and sensory development.
  • Giving instructions about how to throw the ball, or who to throw it to, boosts listening skills.
  • Ball games are a great opportunity to build anticipation, waiting skills and good eye contact.

5 language-boosting ball game activities for toddlers and preschoolers

1. Name and catch

If you're in a group, you can ask everyone to say the name of the person they want to throw the ball to before they throw it.

If your child finds this game too easy, why not give everyone a number or the name of an animal or fruit? They must then say the number, animal name, or fruit of the person they want to throw the ball to.

This can help with memory and concentration.

2. Catch with a language twist

Take it in turns to say a different word when you throw the ball in this simple game.

You could ask your child to come up with a category for the words you have to say.

For example, you could use themes like different animals, colours, fruit, superheroes - the possibilities are endless!The first one to repeat a word or not be able to come up with one loses.

Offer plenty of encouragement when your little one comes up with some great ideas and if they get the word slightly wrong, just repeat it back to them correctly.

Ball games can be played with children at different ages and adapted for different abilities.

Families have a go at this twist on playing catch.

3. Stuck in the middle

This classic game is a good way to practise simple motor skills but also patience and resilience.

Someone is stuck in the middle and has to try and get the ball from the other two throwers, who are throwing to one another.

Use this game to introduce adjectives like high, low, quick and slow when throwing the ball. Make sure to switch up who is in the middle regularly, especially if your child is struggling to intercept.

4. Play ball hide and seek

This one involves less throwing and catching but is a good way to get your child thinking and using problem-solving skills.

If it works for you, why not try giving them clues to help them find it? Or set up a treasure hunt and use words like 'warmer' or 'colder' to describe where the hidden object is.

Find out more about treasure hunts on this page.

5. Bowling or skittles

Playing homemade skittles with household objects, such as milk cartons or cardboard tubes, improves your child's coordination and communication skills.

You might have played this game already when your child was younger. But if not, you can find out more about homemade skittles on this page.

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