Pretend Throws to the Moon

With no objects at all, children act out different throws while moving: underhand like bowling, overhand up to the moon, and rolling along the floor. They warm up shoulders, arms, and legs and learn the shape of each throw before using balls.

How to play

1. We walk to the beat of the drum and swing our arms slowly like windmills (1 min).
2. When the drum stops, we grab an invisible ball and throw it underhand, swinging the arm like a pendulum (1 min).
3. Now we throw it overhand, way up to the moon, with the opposite foot in front (1 min).
4. We crouch down and roll it along the floor to an imaginary finish line (1 min).
5. We jog, and the teacher calls out the throw: "Bowling!", "Moon!", or "Roll!" (2 min).

Rules

• The ball is pretend, but my arm really works.
• When the drum stops, I throw.
• I throw toward empty space, not at a friend.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws are done seated, and the rolling throw is a hand push along the table or floor.
• Visual impairment: the teacher guides the arm the first time and describes the motion out loud.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher pairs the drum with a big open-hand "stop" sign.

Learning goals

• Warm up shoulders and arms before throwing.
• Learn three ways to throw.
• Respond to a sound signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hand drum

Teacher tip

Make the motion big and use short cues: "Arm back, arm forward, let go!" Many little ones step with the same-side foot; don't correct it at age 3, only at age 5.

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