- Definition
Retaining" means keeping control of an object, like a ball, whether you're standing still or moving, so you don't lose it. Think of bouncing a basketball or carrying a football while running.
When a player dribbles a basketball down the court, they are retaining the ball.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Retaining is like carrying a full glass of water without spilling it, even when you have to walk around a table.
Ask your child: Imagine running with a ball. How do you keep it safe and under your control?
Common mix-up: Kids may think retaining is just holding an object. The skill is about keeping control of the object while your body is moving, like when dribbling a ball.
Examples
- A soccer player keeping the ball close to their feet while running down the field.
- A basketball player protecting the ball with their body while dribbling past a defender.
retaining is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
