Throwing and grasping objects (Fine motor)
Developing throwing skills while practicing shape recognition
Month 5 · Activity 21 · Physical Activity
Instructions
- Draw “targets” with a child on a sidewalk/pavement with chalk
- Draw a large square, circle, triangle, rectangle
- Leave lots of space between these “shape targets”
- Give a child a beanbag and ask him to throw at the targets
- Throw beanbag to land in square
- Throw beanbag to land next to the rectangle
- Throw beanbag to land on a circle, etc.
- See if the child can throw underhand and overhand
* Can make the target shapes indoors with duct tape
Simplify
Adjust the size of targets and distances to throw for the child to be successful. For example, make a very large circle and have the child stand very close with a beanbag to throw at the circle target.
Extend
Encourage the child to throw at a target while throwing under their leg, OR when standing backwards, OR by placing beanbag on the head and tossing at target shape. This can be such a fun and silly learning opportunity.
To add some math skills, place a number on each shape.
Square - 1; Circle - 2; Triangle - 3; Rectangle - 4. Throw the beanbag 5 times and see who can add up the most points.
QUESTIONS FOR CHILD
Can you tell me what sports are played where knowing how to throw is important?
Do you think you are a better artist or athlete?
Materials
- sidewalk/pavement
- chalk
- beanbag (make your own beanbag by putting beans/rice/birdseed into a ziplock sandwich bag that is closed with duct tape and then place in an old sock. Fold the top of the sock over the bag to make a beanbag)
Math & Science Skills
Motor Skills
Problem Solving Skills