25 min
Hopscotch
Ten squares of chalk and a stone. Still undefeated.
🎯
Water Balloon Target Practice
Chalk targets on a wall and a bucket of water balloons.
A hot afternoon activity that combines throwing practice with getting soaked, which is the point.
What you need
- water balloons
- chalk
- a bucket
How to do it
- Fill a batch of water balloons and put them in a bucket.
- Chalk three circles on a wall or fence, worth different points.
- Mark a throwing line a few steps back.
- Everyone gets five throws and adds up their score.
- Move the line back for the second round.
Why this is good for them
Throwing at a target at varying distances requires constant recalibration of force, which is more demanding than throwing for distance alone. Keeping score adds mental addition that children do willingly because they care about the result.
Adapting by age
4 to 5 yearsOne large target, very close, and sponges instead of balloons.
10 to 12 yearsAdd a moving target or throw with the non-dominant hand.
Keep it safe
Never throw at people or faces. Collect every balloon fragment immediately, as they are a serious choking hazard and harmful to wildlife.
Cleanup tip
Do a fragment sweep of the whole area before going in.
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