Giant Jacks with Beanbags
A giant version of matatena, the traditional Mexican game of tossing a small ball and picking up pieces before catching it, played here with beanbags and a large ball that bounces on the floor. It builds hand-eye coordination and quick crouching and picking up.
How to play
- The teacher explains how matatena (jacks) is played in Mexico: toss the little ball, pick up pieces, and catch the ball before it bounces again. Each child kneels in their own spot with a large ball and three beanbags scattered in front (2 min).
- First challenge, "onesies": drop the ball, pick up one beanbag while it bounces, and catch the ball with both hands (3 min).
- Second challenge, "twosies": drop the ball and pick up two beanbags at once before catching it (2 min).
- Third challenge, "the little house": make a bridge on the floor with your free hand and, while the ball bounces, slide a beanbag under it with your other hand (3 min).
- Finish: in pairs, one bounces the ball while the other picks up as many beanbags as possible; then switch and put the equipment away together (2 min).
Rules
- Everyone plays in their own spot and doesn't take other kids' beanbags.
- If the ball gets away, we walk to get it.
- We can try each challenge as many times as we like.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, drop the ball and let it bounce several times before catching it; one beanbag only.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, one bounce and one or two beanbags.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, toss the ball up a little before it bounces, pick up three beanbags, and try a smaller ball (never smaller than a fist).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play on a table at the child's height with a big balloon, which falls more slowly.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell, and always place the beanbags in the same spot in front of the knees.
- Less skilled: a partner bounces the ball and the child just picks up the beanbag and catches.
Learning goals
- Coordinate eyes and hands to pick up and catch.
- Crouch and react quickly.
- Learn matatena, a traditional game from Mexico.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Beanbags: 75
- Large playground balls: 25
Teacher tip
Original matatena uses small metal pieces or pebbles, which are dangerous at this age; big beanbags and a playground ball keep the same game and make it safe. Spread kids out so runaway balls don't roll into others.
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