Catch and Throw

Ball games help students develop their spatial orientation and their laterality (being aware of the right and left sides of their bodies).

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: All About Me
• Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
• Level: Levels 1-3

Objectives

• Practice gross motor skills like throwing and catching
• Participate in physical activity that enhances spatial awareness

Materials

• Assortment of soft plush balls

Instructions

Materials

- Six soft foam balls or beanbags of varying sizes.

- Masking tape to mark distance lines on the floor.

- One laundry basket or hoop for target practice.

- Music player for rhythmic movement cues.

Learning Objectives

- Demonstrate improved hand-eye coordination by tracking a moving object.

- Practice bilateral coordination through the act of throwing and catching.

- Follow multi-step directions during a group physical activity.

- Develop spatial awareness by maintaining distance from peers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clear a large space in the classroom and use masking tape to create two parallel lines three feet apart.

2. Gather children in a circle and demonstrate how to hold a ball with two hands, emphasizing the use of fingers rather than palms.

3. Model the throwing motion by stepping forward with the opposite foot while releasing the ball at chest height.

4. Pair children up and have them stand on the tape lines facing their partners to practice rolling the ball back and forth.

5. Transition to tossing beanbags gently to partners, encouraging children to keep their eyes on the object during the entire flight.

6. Introduce the target basket and have children practice throwing their beanbags into the container from a set distance.

7. Play soft music and instruct children to toss the ball upward and catch it themselves when the music pauses.

8. Conclude the activity by having children work together to gather all equipment and place it in the storage bin.

Educator Tip

If children struggle with catching, start by using large scarves or balloons, as these move slower and allow more time for tracking. For advanced learners, increase the distance between partners or introduce a rule that they must clap once before catching the ball.

Assessment

- Observe if the child can track the ball with their eyes throughout the throw and catch sequence.

- Record whether the child uses two hands to catch or relies on trapping the ball against their body.

- Note the child's ability to adjust their force when throwing toward a partner versus a target.

Educator tip

Use vocabulary like 'left', 'right', 'throw', 'catch' to reinforce language while moving.

Assessment

Evaluate ability to participate in physical games, show spatial awareness, and follow gross motor patterns.

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