Center Focus

Jacks

  1. This is a great center game that helps develop hand-eye coordination. Have your students pair-up and play a game of Jacks!
  2. Have a few sets of jacks ready for this center.
  3. To start the game, students bounce the ball on the floor. They must pick up one jack and catch the ball before it touches the floor--this must all be done with one hand.
  4. Students will then pick up two jacks, three jacks, and so on; the goal is to pick up all of the jacks before the ball touches the floor.
  5. Students should alternate when they fail to pick up the appropriate number of jacks before the ball touches the floor.
  6. After playing several games, their control of the ball and reflexes will improve. As an added challenge, have them use their other hand.