Elementary Music Teacher Blog

Having difficulties getting students to raise their hand before speaking or shouting out an answer? Want to give kids something to do with their hands when speaking? Want to help children with their hand eye coordination? Want to throw something at students during class???!!! Well, I have just the thing!

For the past two years, I have been using a koosh ball in my music classroom to toss to children raising their hand to answer a question asked by me. The desire to get the koosh ball motivates even students with constant shouting out problems (and we all know who those kiddos are!) to raise their hand and wait patiently. After answering the question, they toss the koosh ball back to me.

Of course, there are rules. For example, if students begin just raising their hands to get the koosh ball, saying “I don’t know” and throwing it back, then no more koosh ball. I only have this every once and awhile, surprisingly. Also, there is no overhand, super hard throws. Next, only students seated appropriately, quietly and raising their hand will get thrown the koosh ball. Lastly, I will say the students name or make contact with the student before throwing the koosh ball. If another student purposely intercepts, the interceptor will lose their koosh ball priviledges. If the ball gets thrown wildly and goes to a neighboring child, they can catch it. I define intercepting as reaching in front of another student to catch the koosh ball that was clearly on the way to the correct student.

Having a koosh ball in your room is fun and motivational. Try it! I just ordered some new ones from www.toywiz.com. Oh, and please make sure you bleach and sanitize the koosh ball periodically. It will collect dirt and germs!!