The Wonder Ball

by Quvadus
(Cincinnati, OH; U.S.A)

Children sit in 1 big circle and quickly pass the ball (any relatively small stuffed toy can suffice)around the circle as the youth teacher/leader sings the song and claps:
"The Wonder Ball goes round & round
To catch it quickly you are bound
If you're the one to hold it last
Then for you the game is past
And you are out!"
The child holding the ball at the end of the song is out and now becomes a clapper, standing next to the teacher. As the song is sung over & over, it produces more clappers & song is sung more rapidly. The circle shrinks causing the children to sit closer together to allow the ball to pass easily. Finally there are only 2 children playing game; before they begin, we do a slapping/clapping drum roll on our thighs, teacher/leader says 'Who will be the person NOT holding the ball? Will it be (child's name) or (child's name)? At this point, everyone is charged with excitement. The two finalists are passing the ball very quickly and often is it the clapper children who say, "Oh, David you were the last person with the ball!" As soon as 1 game is finished they'll yell, "Let's play it again!"