CharacterEd Rubber Basketballs

These high-quality rubber basketballs feature character traits and their definitions printed on their cover, creating educational variations to any basketball activity!

Positive Character Traits

These durable rubber basketballs feature printed-on character traits to reinforce positive character traits during activities. Character traits include: Respect, Honesty, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Integrity, and Tolerance. Each ball features one trait on one side, with the other side showing the trait and its definition.

Use these balls in regular game play or build activities around the character traits. For example, set up a game of Horse in which every time a student makes a shot, they call out the character trait and read the description on the ball. Another variation would allow students to describe a time when they demonstrated this trait, or describe a situation in which using the trait would be appropriate.

Quality Design

Featuring the same construction as our Performer basketballs, the durable rubber cover is economical and long-lasting, for years of use. Deep pebbling provides a tacky grip for students to improve their passing, shooting, and dribbling skills. Bright Rainbow colors add fun and make organization a breeze.

15 Fundamental Movement Skill Activities Using CharacterEd Rubber Basketballs

The CharacterEd Rubber Basketballs uniquely combine physical education with social-emotional learning. Each ball features vibrant colors and printed character traits such as Respect, Responsibility, and Cooperation, which promote discussions about positive behavior during activity. Built with durable rubber and deep channels for enhanced grip, these balls are perfect for teaching fundamental movement skills while reinforcing teamwork and character development. The following 15 activity ideas integrate physical literacy with values education to make your PE class both active and meaningful.

1. Traits in Motion: Students dribble their CharacterEd basketballs around the gym. When music stops, they read the word on their ball aloud and explain how to show that trait during PE. Reinforces dribbling, stopping, and SEL.

2. Respect Relay Race: Teams dribble from cone to cone. At each station, students must demonstrate the character trait on their ball in a team task. Teaches locomotor movement, teamwork, and integrity.

3. Pass with Purpose: In pairs, students pass the ball and share an example of their trait in action (e.g., helping others for “Kindness”). Encourages passing, catching, and reflective conversation.

4. Kindness Catch: Students toss and catch the ball. Each time they catch it, they compliment a peer or say a kind word. Reinforces catching and SEL communication.

5. Trait Taggers: Taggers must say the trait on their ball before tagging. When tagged, students perform an action (e.g., jumping jacks) that represents that value. Combines dodging, agility, and SEL.

6. Integrity Inbounds: Students simulate inbound passes while discussing what integrity means in games. Teaches throwing skills and ethical gameplay.

7. Trust Toss Teamwork: Blindfolded student tosses ball to partner guided only by verbal instructions. Develops trust, spatial awareness, and communication.

8. Empathy Elbow Shots: Students shoot from various cone positions and cheer for peers. If a peer misses, they give encouraging words. Teaches shooting and emotional support.

9. Dribble & Discuss: As students dribble around the gym, they meet others and ask how to show the trait on their ball during sports. Encourages movement and social exchange.

10. Trait & Twist Challenge: After reading the trait on their ball, students perform a twist, turn, or pivot before making a pass. Blends non-locomotor movement with values talk.

11. Balance & Belonging: Students balance on one leg while holding the ball and sharing a time they felt included. Enhances static balance and emotional awareness.

12. Fair Play Freeze: While dribbling, students freeze when the whistle blows and explain how fair play looks in PE. Builds body control and ethics.

13. Trait Match-Up Tag: Students must find others with the same trait ball and complete a group challenge. Encourages cooperation, identification, and motor coordination.

14. Character Circle Drills: Students pass around a circle. When the ball comes to them, they must say the trait aloud and give an example of it in action. Develops passing and active listening.

15. Bounce Back Positivity: Students dribble and bounce the ball, saying one positive statement about themselves or others on each bounce. Builds self-confidence, rhythm, and body control.