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Mum Ball: a sticker of a soft ball next to a referee's whistle

Mum Ball

Mum Ball is silent ball by another name: toss a soft ball without a sound, and anyone who talks or drops a catchable ball sits down.

  • Whole class
  • 10 min
  • One soft ball
  • 2nd to 8th grade
  • Quiet
One page with all five steps

How to Play

5 steps
  1. Mum Ball, step 1: Spread out

    Spread out

    Students sit on desks or stand where everyone can see each other.

  2. Mum Ball, step 2: Stay mum

    Stay mum

    No talking, laughing or sound of any kind.

  3. Mum Ball, step 3: Toss and catch

    Toss and catch

    Throw to anyone; drop a catchable ball or throw badly and you sit.

  4. Mum Ball, step 4: One judge

    One judge

    The teacher is the only one who calls players out.

  5. Mum Ball, step 5: Last ones win

    Last ones win

    Play until two or three are left.

Ways to Change It Up

  • Seated Mum BallEveryone stays in their seats; good for small rooms.
  • Second ChanceSeated players catch a stray ball to get back in.

Play It With

Coming SoonTimers & Noise

Noise Level Meter

Show the room how loud it is, live, with a quiet target.

Pre-K to Grade 8
Shows the room how quiet it is

More Quiet Games

All Quiet Games

Mum Ball Questions

Plan the Game into the Week

Drop a game into any lesson plan in EMStudio, with the rules attached. Free to start.

Get Started for Free
Checked by a teacher