Talking Ball: Control a Group of Kids with This Conversation Tool

Who knew a humble playground ball was all that would be needed to bring peace to chaotic room full of kids. My daughter volunteers in an inner city youth program twice a week and has been amazed at how the kids have responded to the addition of this simple object.

Kids love it
After learning that only the person holding the ball could speak, the kids made sure everyone followed this single, magical rule. There was no denying the room full of energetic, often out of control young teens liked this idea. Maybe because they knew people would listen when they were holding the ball, or maybe it was because they were thrilled to finally have a solution to having the loudest voice or squeakiest wheel get all the attention. Either way, the playground ball works.

Use anywhere
This communication technique is not new, but many kids have never experienced it, making it new to them and in turn, very effective. Implement this rule in your own neighborhood club, scout program or home on occasion. Family meetings can often benefit from this turn taking method.

Use anything
The only supply you need is a ball, a room full of kids and a need for order. The ball can be a playground ball, a nerf ball, whiffle ball or beach ball. It could even be a stuffed animal like a Beanie Baby. The room does not have to be full of kids, in fact, you could be dealing with adults or a mixed age group, the talking ball still works.


Introduction
Introduce the talking ball. I like to engage the kids with the "magical properties" the ball holds, but for all the realists out there, simply identifying an object as the talking tool is all that is needed.

Rules
Explain that the person holding the ball is the only person allowed to talk. Show them that since you are holding the ball, you can offer instructions. In fact, as the adult, you do reserve the right to speak, but that does not have to be revealed until, or if, it is necessary.

Practice
Toss the ball to someone in the room while asking them to introduce themselves. Before tossing, explain that the ball should be passed to someone who is quietly holding their hand up. Then after the individual addresses the room, hold your hand up so they can toss it back.

Ownership
Know that this first time may not go as smoothly as it is explained here. Once the worth of the talking ball is discovered though, you may have children enforcing the rules better than a police officer. My daughter was shocked to watch normally unruly kids take ownership and tattle on kids who talked out of turn. The tattling wasn't the surprise, it was watching them wait to tattle until they had possession of the talking ball!

Conversation starter alternative
If you want to make the talking ball more of a conversation starter, consider adding talking points or questions to the ball. Use a beach ball and a permanent marker. Write questions inside each of the wedge-like sections.

Questions
On the ball ask them what makes them happy, what they worry about, where they most want to go, what the like to do in their spare time. Anything to get them talking and getting to know their classmates. The question facing them when they catch it is what they answer.

Feelings
Adapt this idea for non-readers by drawing faces on the different sides that express different emotions such as; happy, surprise, worry, crying, anger. Once they get the ball they can tell everyone what makes them feel those emotions, tell a short story, or for fun, let them just imitate the face.


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