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Gross Motor Throwing Activities for Preschoolers

Children generally begin throwing large balls about 5 feet in distance around age 2. At this age, kids appear rather uncoordinated in their throwing skills. However, by age 4, preschoolers are beginning to take more control over their gross motor abilities. With some engaging games and activities, as well as a bit of demonstration from the teacher, preschoolers can improve their throwing skills quickly.
  1. Tossing Games

    • Turn chores into a game by having kids toss laundry into the laundry basket. Vary the distances they throw from as well as what kind of item is thrown. It may be easier to throw a sock into the basket compared with a large towel. Carnival-type tossing games can include a ring toss and coin toss. Gently toss coins onto paper plates at different distances. Set out a few soda bottles for preschoolers to practice tossing a hula hoop around each bottle. Tossing a hula hoop can be a difficult task for the kids. Do not be afraid to offer some assistance, but let the preschoolers use problem-solving skills to figure out how to get the hoop over the bottle.

    Throwing Overhand and Underhand

    • Provide children with bean bags to practice throwing overhand. Instruct children to bend their arm at the elbow and hold the bean back behind their head. Step forward with one foot and extend the arm as hard as possible to throw the bean bag. Give each child three throws and record the farthest distance. Practice underhand throwing by teaching bowling skills. Set up some pins or use empty 2 liter soda bottles. Demonstrate to children how to reach back with their arm, smoothly swing their arm forward while keeping it close to their body and release the ball towards the pins.

    Throwing to a Target

    • Cut a snowman out of tag board and attach it to the wall. Throw “snowballs” made out of balled up and taped grocery bags. Observe on what part of the target the balls frequently hit. Use sidewalk chalk to draw a large target on the ground. Have the preschoolers toss a bean bag as close to the center as possible.

    Throwing a Disc

    • Throwing a disc requires a different technique compared with tossing an object underhand and overhand. Do not expect mastery of this skill for preschool-age children, but use it as an opportunity to introduce Frisbee-throwing skills. Experiment with large and small discs. Instruct preschoolers to hold the edge of the Frisbee or other disc in one hand. Bend the arm at the elbow and hold the disc toward the opposite shoulder. Quickly release the arm and throw the disc. Measure the distance each child is able to throw the disc. Challenge the preschoolers to throw the Frisbee as close to a target as possible. Set up a relay to see what team can get the disc to end the fastest. The first child throws it to the second child in the relay. That child will catch or fetch the disc and throw it to the last child.

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