Big, Medium, and Teeny Boxes

Boxes in three sizes sit at different distances, and each child decides which box to aim for and which cone to throw from. They practice choosing a challenge that fits them, throwing underhand and overhand into a target, and trying harder options when they feel ready.

How to play

1. We look at the boxes: the big one belongs to the bear, the medium one to the dog, and the teeny one to the mouse (2 min).
2. Everyone throws at the bear's box from the closest cone to try it out (2 min).
3. Now each child chooses a box and a cone and throws three balls, then switches if they want (6 min).
4. The teacher asks: who wants to try the mouse's box? We try and cheer every attempt (3 min).
5. We empty the boxes together and count how many balls each animal got (2 min).

Rules

• I choose my box and my cone.
• I pick up my balls when the teacher says "Cleanup!"
• If it doesn't go in, I move one cone closer.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the boxes go on a table at chair height.
• Visual impairment: use brightly colored boxes, and the teacher taps the chosen box to help orient.
• Autism: picture cards of each animal so the child can point to their choice before throwing.

Learning goals

• Choose a challenge that matches their ability.
• Throw into containers of different sizes.
• Connect distance, size, and difficulty.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cardboard boxes in three sizes: 9
• soft balls: 30
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

Push the boxes against a wall so missed balls don't roll far. Don't praise the small box more than the big one: praise every child for choosing and trying.

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