Playing with Hoberman Sphere - 29th November 2021
Spontaneous:
This morning the children were exploring the outdoor area. I brought the Hoberman Sphere from the store room. Pilar, Nyiel and Elya got excited and came and got the ball from me. Pilar had a turn first. Then Nyiel and Elya got their turns. Kylie (educator) explained to children about the ball. She taught them to breath in while expanding the sphere ball and to breath out when shrinking the sphere ball. The children tried their best to follow Kylie's instructions. It was fun to watch them do that. Then Blake, Everleigh and Hunter had their turns. I encouraged Huda to come and have a turn. After encouragement Huda played with the Hoberman sphere. Children had a shared play experience and waited for their turns.
The breathing ball (also known as the Hoberman Sphere) is a favourite prop of many teachers. When introduced as a tool for calming and connecting to the breath, rather than just a nifty toy, the breathing ball captivates kids attention. The Hoberman Sphere starts small and grows larger. And vice versa. It is connected to the breath. The way the sphere expands and contracts is very similar to the way lungs do. It can be used as a tool for breathing exercise for children.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 4: Children are confident and involved learners Elements: 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity. The children in this learning experience followed kylie's instructions and tried to breathe in and out using the ball. the children were curious to play with this breathing ball.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Piaget's theories. He believed that children are active learners and that the children must be given opportunities to explore, discover and experiment. These principals underpin all cognitive development.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection: I planned this activity so that the children learn about breathing in and breathong out through play. A few children tried but hard to implement with babies. But babies were excited to play with this breathing ball since it shrinks and expands. I helped children in taking turns and with sharing the breathing ball. Follow Up: Kids yoga Links to Munch and Move.
