What do all these things have in common?
They can all be used to juggle!
International Jugglers Day and World Juggler's Day is April 18th, but you can juggle any day! Common objects jugglers use include balls, clubs, swords, plates, rings, and flaming sticks. You can also learn to juggle at school using wadded up paper balls, tissues, or scarves.
Why?
Juggling is fuel for the brain because it requires you to cross the midline, develops eye-hand coordination, and can improve focus and self-control.
When?
Juggling can be a great brain break in the classroom or an activity to entertain children on a rainy day. It can be done inside, outside, or in a small area.
What?
You can uses wadded up sheets of paper, tissues, sponge balls, or juggling scarves. (I made my own juggling scarves by cutting 10" squares out of netting.)
How?
Begin by having children wad up a piece of scrap paper. Can they toss it and catch it?
Can they play catch with a friend?
Can they toss it, clap, and then catch it?
How many times can they toss it without dropping it?
Can they say the alphabet as they toss and catch?
Practice tossing the paper ball from the right hand to the left.
Add a second paper ball and let the fun begin!
Practice tossing the paper ball from the right hand to the left.
Add a second paper ball and let the fun begin!