Which activity would most likely be achieved independently by first-grade students?

• A. Dribbling a basketball
• B. Jumping rope
• C. Catching a ball
• D. Running a race

Answer: (C)

In first grade, children are typically developing basic motor skills they can use with minimal prompting. Catching a ball is a foundational ability that many kids already have or can achieve with simple guidance, because it hinges on watching the ball and bringing hands together to meet it—something they can do independently during play.

Dribbling a basketball, jumping rope, and running a race involve more complex coordination, timing, or sustained practice. Dribbling requires controlling a ball while moving, jumping rope needs rhythm and precise timing, and while running a race can be done alone, it doesn't showcase the same level of controlled, discrete hand–eye skill that catching a ball does. For these reasons, catching a ball is the activity most likely to be performed independently by typical first-grade students.