Ball Games
Why?
Encouraging children to play ball games that requires them to throw or roll objects supports their physical development by using their upper body strength, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and turn-taking skills.
What you need?
- Small bean bags
- Rolled up old socks
- Scrunched up newspaper make into balls bound with masking tape
- Balloons
- Buckets or baskets
- Kitchen funnels
Instructions
1. Place buckets or baskets a couple of steps away from the children.
2. Encourage children to take turns throwing the bean bags or balls into basket.
3. You could also hang a bucket from a beam or a tree and encourage the children to throw bean bags or balls into it.
Extension of the activity
- Sit on the floor with children and roll balls back and forth. This game supports children’s understanding of turn taking and helps develop their visual tracking skills. It is a perfect activity for babies.
- Set up a bowling alley using coloured cones or building blocks. This game provides children with the opportunity to practise their aiming and throwing skills.
- Try playing balloon catch using balloons and plastic kitchen funnels. Have a balloon and funnel for each child and encourage them to toss the balloon in the air and try and catch it with their funnel.
