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Roll the Little Ball

A slight tilt makes the ball roll. Repeat the action and see whether your child begins to anticipate the ball’s path and reach for it.

  • 15 months
  • Quick prep
  • At home
  • About 5 minutes
Focus
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Developmental benefits

  • Cognitive：Watching a tilted table make the ball roll helps your baby connect the change in angle with movement and begin anticipating the ball’s path.
  • Movement：Repeatedly reaching for and catching the rolling ball gives your baby practice coordinating visual tracking with hand movement.

Preparation

What You’ll Need

  1. 1

    A ball

  2. 2

    a low, lightweight table

Step 1

Watch the Ball Roll

Place the ball on the table and lift one side slightly so it rolls down. Repeat several times and say, “The table went up, and the ball rolled down.” Then invite your child to try catching it at the lower edge.

What to notice

  • Watches the path of the rolling ball closely Emergent Mathematical Thinking
  • Walks over to retrieve the ball Gross Motor

Tips

  • If your child is unsure what to do, demonstrate: lift the table with one hand and catch the ball with the other. Another family member can help too.
  • Before each turn, try a short countdown: “Ready? Three, two, one—go!”

Step 2

Catch the Ball

Play catch at the lower edge of the table. Lift one side only slightly so the ball rolls slowly, and draw your baby’s attention to its path. After several turns, wait to see whether they reach toward the edge before the ball arrives.

What to notice

  • Begins reaching toward the lower edge when the table is lifted Exploration and Discovery
  • Reaches out and grasps the approaching ball Fine Motor

Tips

  • If catching is difficult, flatten the table and move the ball slowly toward your child. Let them close their hands around it, then try again with a very slight tilt.
  • Repeat the same path several times and describe where the ball is going: “It’s rolling toward you.”
  • Say, “I’m going to lift the table,” before you move it so your child can connect the cue, the action, and the result.

Step 3

Switch Roles

If your child is interested, switch roles. Help them lift one side of the table while you catch the ball. Say, “You lifted the table, and the ball rolled down!” Then return the ball and play again.

What to notice

  • Lifts the table to make the ball roll down Exploration and Discovery
  • Laughs or claps to show happiness after receiving the ball Emotional Functioning

Tips

  • If your child cannot lift the table alone, place your hands beside theirs and help with the movement. Their attempt to lift still matters.
  • Try lifting different sides of the table and notice which way the ball rolls.
  • Once the movement is familiar, increase the angle a little and notice how the ball rolls faster.

Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026