Purchase at least two juggling scarves for each child you'll be working with, along with enough for each teacher so they can demonstrate. Make sure you buy scarves that are specially made for juggling. If necessary, you can also make your own out of multicolored, lightweight nylon. Juggling scarves are about the same size as a handkerchief (16-by-16 inches). If you cannot find or scarves, small latex balloons will do in a pinch, but they can be a bit harder to work with, especially for more complex juggling activities.
Give each child one scarf. Begin by showing the children how to throw and catch it. Hold one end of the scarf, pull it upward, let go and catch it in your hands. Once children master this, you can try playing a few games together. Ask the children to throw the scarf up and clap their hands before they catch it or have them put a hand behind their backs so they can throw and catch with just one hand. You can also ask them to catch the scarf using a "funny" body part, such as their head, elbow or foot, or have them throw and catch the scarf under their legs or behind their backs.
Once the children have demonstrated proficiency with one scarf, try giving them two. Ask them to "make the number 11" by holding each scarf at the end and waving them up and down, one at a time. Next, ask the children to let each scarf go at the top and catch it. If they can handle this, teach them to throw in a circle. Start with one scarf in each hand. Ask them to throw the first scarf up in the air, then hand the second scarf over to their free hand and catch the first scarf in their newly free hand. If you are working with a big group, it is a good idea to make sure everyone starts with the same hand. If everything is going well, ask the children to change the direction of their circle.
If the children are comfortable with two scarves, teach them some preparatory activities to handle three scarves. Have them practice throwing two scarves in a X-shape. This is just like the number 11 exercise, except the students throw the scarves across their body instead of up and down, and catch both scarves at the same time. Next, see if the kids can handle two scarves in one hand. To do this, have them hold one scarf in their fist, and another between their thumb and index finger. They should be able to throw and catch the loose scarf while holding on to the one in their fist.
If you happen to be working with a large group, you can also play group juggling games with the kids. In Circle Toss, have the kids stand in a circle and give everyone one scarf. When an instructor gives the signal, all the kids should throw their scarf straight up, move over one space and catch the next child's scarf. If this becomes too easy, ask the children to move two spaces over each time. If you are working with scarves, you can also have the kids play "scarf tag." Have the children partner up. One partner tucks a scarf into her pocket or waistband, so part of the scarf still hangs out. The other partner chases her and tries to grab it. Once the scarf is caught, the kids should switch roles and resume the game.