Paper Catapults Over the Castle Wall

A rope stretched between two tall cones becomes the castle wall, and children turn into catapults, tossing paper balls over it to fill the towers (boxes) on the other side. They practice overhand throwing and aiming upward.

How to play

1. The teacher sets the wall at the children's head height and places the boxes on the far side (2 min).
2. We're catapults: arm back like a spoon, then throw up and forward (2 min).
3. Everyone throws their balls over the wall at the same time, no matter where they land (3 min).
4. Walk around the ends of the wall to the other side, gather the balls and throw again (2 min).
5. Fill the towers: try to land the balls inside the boxes (3 min).
6. Collect every ball into the towers and count them together (2 min).

Rules

• We only throw when the teacher says "Catapults!"
• Nobody crosses to the other side while we're throwing.
• I throw over the wall, never at my friends.
• All the balls go back into the towers at the end.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw while seated with a lower wall and closer boxes.
• Visual impairment: an adult taps a box with a bell to guide the throw.
• Less coordination: bigger paper balls and a two-handed overhead throw.

Learning goals

• Throw overhand with the arm drawn back.
• Aim a throw upward and at a target.
• Wait for the signal and take turns throwing and collecting.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Newspaper balls: 50
• Long rope: 1
• Cones: 2
• Cardboard boxes: 4

Teacher tip

Make the balls ahead of time with newspaper and masking tape so they hold together. Keep the throw and collect phases very clear: the classic slip is a child crossing for a ball while others are still throwing.

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