This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This activity teaches the student throwing skills, for use on the playground or in sport or exercise activities. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility, Adapted Physical Education, and Early Cognitive Skills.
Materials
Beanbags, auditory sound source (radio, wind-up toy, ticking clock or timer), empty plastic soda bottles, empty cereal boxes, paper bags
Procedure
- Ask the student to sit comfortably on the floor.
- Give the student a beanbag and ask her to throw it at a target.
- If the student has vision, use a brightly colored, large target.
- If the student is totally blind, provide a sound source behind or as the target.
- The target can be something to knock over such as empty plastic soda bottles, empty cereal boxes or paper bags.
- Provide assistance as needed.
- Vary distance from the target.
- Vary the position of the student: sitting, kneeling, standing.
- Vary throwing materials: beanbags, stuffed animals and balls.
- Ask the student to throw underhand and overhand.
Hint: Perform the activities on a safe surface, such as an exercise mat, and guard against the student falling or bumping into objects. Caution against knocking over or hitting items or other students in the play area with the beanbag.
