Keepy Uppy

Math

• The child learns to count by keeping track of how many times they successfully kick the ball without letting it touch the ground.
• They develop an understanding of numbers as they try to beat their previous record and count the number of kicks they achieve.
• They practice basic addition and subtraction skills as they add or subtract the number of kicks they need to reach a goal.
• The child explores concepts of measurement and distance as they estimate how high they can kick the ball and try to reach that height.

Physical Education

• The child improves their balance and coordination by attempting to keep the ball in the air using different body parts, such as feet, knees, or head.
• They enhance their gross motor skills as they jump or hop to keep the ball off the ground.
• The activity promotes cardiovascular endurance and stamina as the child engages in continuous movement to keep the ball up as long as possible.
• They develop spatial awareness and body control by adjusting their movements to keep the ball within a certain area.

Science

• The child learns about gravity as they observe how the ball falls towards the ground if they fail to keep it up.
• They experiment with force and motion as they kick the ball with different strengths and angles to keep it in the air.
• They explore cause and effect as they discover how their actions directly impact the ball's movement.
• The activity introduces basic concepts of aerodynamics as the child observes how the shape and surface area of the ball affect its flight.

Encourage further development by incorporating variations to the activity. For example, challenge the child to keep multiple balls up at once or introduce obstacles they need to navigate while keeping the ball in the air. You can also encourage them to create their own rules or invent new ways to keep the ball up using different body parts or objects.

Book Recommendations

• Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish: Amelia Bedelia tries her hand at various sports, including soccer, in this humorous book that introduces young readers to different games.
• How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague: This book teaches children about playing fair, being kind, and having fun while playing different games, including soccer.
• Just Like Me, Soccer Star by Rosemary Lucas: This story follows a young girl who dreams of becoming a soccer star and shows the importance of practicing and never giving up on your goals.