“Round and Round”
Exploring circular movement, rolling, and the boundless joy of play as character Bobby takes us deep into a magical ball pond.
“Hip Hip hooray!
Off we go to tumble and play.
Bobby’s trip to the Ball pond takes us into another world,
as we dive deep down into a child’s imagination.
In a world of round & round, Bobby plays up & down.”
The Journey
Through DNA’s unique style of skilful puppetry, visual theatre, movement, rhymes, and an originally composed soundtrack, this combination of devised performance and physical play explores circular movement and sensory delight.
The session unfolds across three engaging phases:
- The Ball Pond: Soft play equipment and giant bags of colourful balls invite children and adults to roll, tumble, discover hidden teddy bears, and play with soft textures.
- The Pretend Tea Party: Bobby the puppet joins the children for make-believe tea, before floating away on a lollipop as hoops and oversized spheres emerge.
- Playful Tidy-Up: Cleaning up becomes an imaginative game using nets on sticks, sorting buckets, and counting bags.
Illustrated take-home storybook of Bobby’s magical journey
Why Play Matters
- Transcending the Everyday: Play takes children out of themselves to explore worlds beyond what they currently know.
- Abstract Thinking: Free play encourages imagination and symbolic thinking, reaching beyond the immediate present.
- Self-Awareness: Play helps children know themselves, build relationships with peers, and relate to the wider world.
- Literacy Extension: Take-home books of the character Bobby allow the learning experience to continue with families at home.
Associated Resource
Check out our 10-piece handmade Round & Round cylinder cushion set for early years heuristic play.
Safety & Risk Assessment Information (Click to view full protocol)
Risk Assessment Summary for Round & Round Session
Conducted and certified by Rachel Riggs (Creative Director, Imaginary Leaps).
| Hazard | Potential Harm | To Whom | Control Measures | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overcrowding | Bumps and bruises | All participants and staff | Numbers strictly limited to a safe cohort (15–20). | Low (6) |
| Banging heads, slipping on balls | Falling over, bruises | All participants | Encourage gentle play; contain balls within padded perimeter. | Low (3) |
| Hygiene & germs | Illness transmission | All participants | All plastic and vinyl equipment disinfected before/after sessions; wipes provided. | Managed (8) |
| Net sticks | Harm to eyes/body | Children & adults | Regular inspection; blunt rounded ends padded with balls. | Low (4) |