Beanbags to the Near Hoop and the Far Hoop

At stations with one hoop close by and another far away, children toss beanbags and adjust their strength to the distance. They practice near and far and how distance relates to force.

How to play

1. We set up five stations, each with a starting cone, one hoop very close, and another hoop far away; the teacher tosses and says "This one's near, this one's far" (2 min).
2. In groups of five, each child tosses a beanbag at the hoop the teacher calls, near or far, and then goes to get it (5 min).
3. Each round, the teacher moves the far hoop one step back and asks, "Is it closer now or farther?" (3 min).
4. Each child chooses which hoop to aim at and says it before tossing: "The far one!" (3 min).
5. We collect all the beanbags walking on tiptoe and put them inside the near hoop (2 min).

Rules

• I throw from the cone with my feet still.
• I go collect after my whole group has thrown.
• Beanbags go to the hoop, never at a friend.
• I say which hoop I'm aiming at before I throw.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child throws from the wheelchair with the far hoop set within reach, or rolls a ball down a ramp (a tilted board).
• Visual impairment: a classmate stands inside each hoop clapping to guide the throw.
• Less dexterity: use bigger beanbags or soft balls the child can grip with the whole hand.

Learning goals

• Distinguish near and far when throwing.
• Match throwing strength to distance.
• Take turns within the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 25
• Hoops: 10
• Cones: 5

Teacher tip

Use large, well-sewn beanbags so the filling can't spill out. Line the stations up side by side, all throwing the same direction, so no one walks into a toss.

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