Drop It and Listen
Drop balls into containers made of different materials. Watch and listen together as the same action produces different sounds.
- 9 months
- Quick prep
- At home
- About 5 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Cognitive：Hearing a sound immediately after dropping a ball helps your baby connect an action with its result and compare what changes with a different container.
- Language：Describing the action and sound as they happen helps your baby understand words within a shared game.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
- 1
Several small balls
- 2
containers made of different materials, such as a cardboard box, a stainless-steel bowl, and a plastic bowl
Step 1
Ding-Dong Sounds Are Fun
Show how to drop the balls into different containers and listen to the sounds they make. When your baby looks over with interest, invite them to try and explore the balls and containers in their own way.
What to notice
- Hears your voice and looks at you
Attending and Understanding - Grasps a ball with one hand
Fine Motor
Tips
- If your baby has not noticed the sound, shake the container gently so the ball rolls inside. You can also move it closer or try a louder container.
- Babies do not always use a toy in the way an adult expects. Your baby may look at it, mouth it, shake it, or simply drop it.
Step 2
A Sound with Every Throw
When your baby drops a ball into a container, respond to the sound with surprise. Notice whether they try another container. If they return to the same one, join several repetitions so they can experience the same action producing the sound again.
What to notice
- Drops the ball into a container and listens to the sound
Exploration and Discovery - Waves their arm and throws the ball
Gross Motor
Tips
- If the ball misses, move the container closer or help guide your baby’s hand for one turn.
- Introduce a second container by dropping a ball into it and reacting to the new sound.
- Repeating the same drop may be your baby’s way of checking whether the same action makes the same sound again.
Step 3
Each Container Sounds Different
When your baby’s interest in one container begins to fade, demonstrate dropping the ball into another and point out that the sound changed. Give them time to compare through repeated play.
What to notice
- Drops or throws the ball repeatedly to make impact sounds Exploration and Discovery
- Throws with more energy after hearing your praise
Sense of Identity and Belonging
Tips
- Watch your baby’s actions and respond with a gentle look or a short phrase while they explore.
- Returning to the same container may show that your baby recognizes or prefers its sound.
- Try a container or ball made of another material, or change the distance of the toss.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026