If you have a mountain of soft toys at your house like we do perhaps using them for some gross motor development (otherwise known as, a fun and easy indoor throwing game) might appeal to your little one.
All you need are soft toys, a piece of masking tape and a toy bucket/basket/laundry hamper etc.
Use your masking tape (or anything you have on hand, a skipping rope for example etc) to make a line for your child to stand behind.
She practiced throwing over-arm
Jumping for joy after getting it in
Practicing her under-arm throw
Handy Tips:
- Simplify this activity by having the tub/bucket etc. much closer and using instruction and directions to help your child learn to throw. Encourage them to watch where they want the toy to land; follow through with their arm in the direction they are trying to throw etc
- Extend this activity by moving the tub further away from your child. Ask them questions about the different toys they are throwing. Why did that toy only land that far when you threw it the same as the previous toy? This engages their thinking and encourages them to think about the most effective toss for different types of toys. Some toys are heavier, some are lighter, bigger, smaller etc. This makes a difference to how they need to be thrown and the force behind the toss. Discuss this with your child. You could also incorporate some measuring to see how far away the tub is from the line and how much further away you can move it after each level.
- Practicality- Using a larger space in your house for something like this is a good idea and just remembering not to have them aiming towards your finest Ming vase goes without saying :) Perhaps reminding them that this is a set up activity and that we don't play this game inside with other items or without permission.
- Control- Encourage them to demonstrate control. If they can't manage the control and they aren't actually aiming for the tub etc. perhaps try again at another time. This will save your sanity (and house).
- Skills- reinforcing the gross motor skills and hand eye coordination needed for this task is important so that your child can improve their skills.
- Keep Playing- Move the tub further and further away from your child to challenge them until they can no longer make the distance. Learn with them. Do they need to adjust their throwing style for a further distance?
Debs :)
Look where else we play too. Come and play with us :)
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