Mental Juggling Circles Activity Sheet

Objective: Practice holding and organizing three pieces of information in your working memory by mentally juggling them.

Instructions:

1. On the template below, trace three circles. Each circle stands for one memory item (a word, number, or image).
2. Choose three different items and write each one beside or inside its circle.
3. Close your eyes (or look away) and mentally “rotate” the circles in order: Circle 1 → Circle 2 → Circle 3 → Circle 1, at a steady rhythm.
4. After three full rotations, open your eyes and write down the three items you recalled in the correct sequence.

○ ○ ○

(Trace over these circles or redraw them in your notebook.)

Your Chosen Items:

• Circle 1: __________________________
• Circle 2: __________________________
• Circle 3: __________________________

After Mental Rotations, List What You Remembered

1. __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Tip: Use a steady count (e.g., “one, two, three”) as you cycle through, and imagine each item vividly in its circle to strengthen your recall.

Reflection Ball Toss Guidelines

Objective:
Foster metacognitive awareness by having students articulate one working-memory strategy they used during the Mental Juggling Circles and one challenge they encountered.

Materials:

• Soft Toss Ball
• Open space where students can form a circle

Time: 10 minutes

Steps

1. Form a Circle
   Have all students stand or sit in a loose circle so everyone can see each other.
2. Introduce the Routine
   Explain that each time a student catches the ball, they will share:
   • One strategy they used to keep their ideas “in the air” (e.g., visualization, counting rhythm, labeling).
   • One challenge they faced (e.g., losing track of an item, distractions, too fast).
3. Model the Toss & Share
   Toss the ball to a volunteer and demonstrate:
   • “One strategy I used was picturing each word in bright colors.”
   • “One challenge I faced was losing the count when I blinked.”
4. Student Turns
   The catcher shares, then tosses the ball to another classmate of their choice.
   • Continue until most (or all) students have had a turn, or time is up.
5. Group Debrief
   After the toss, briefly highlight recurring strategies or challenges and encourage peers to try a new tip next time.

Sentence Starters (Optional):
• “A strategy that helped me was ____.”
• “I found it challenging when ____.”
• “Next time, I might try ____ to improve my juggling.”

Teacher Tips:

• Keep the ball moving at a steady pace—avoid long pauses.
• Encourage concise sharing to allow more voices.
• Validate all contributions and celebrate creative strategies.

Ready to throw and reflect!