Ring the Pole

Poles standing upright in cones are the posts where children hang rings, first by hand and then tossing them from close up. They practice aim, hand-eye coordination and taking turns in small groups.

How to play

1. Set up six stations with a pole standing in a cone and a pile of small rings around it; children split into groups of four (1 min).
2. First no tossing: each child drops rings onto the pole from above, standing on tiptoe, then takes them off (2 min).
3. Step back and toss the ring gently underhand, trying to land it on the pole (3 min).
4. Switch stations, and the teacher moves the throwing line, marked by a cone on its side, a bit farther (3 min).
5. Group challenge: the four of us try to fill the pole with every ring, and when someone scores we all cheer (2 min).
6. Take down the station and put the rings back where they go (1 min).

Rules

• Toss only when no one is next to the pole.
• One person tosses, then the next: we take turns.
• Toss rings gently and underhand.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: lower the pole to wheelchair height and bring the station closer.
• Visual impairment: use a bright pole with a large bell tied to the top that rings when hit.
• Less dexterity: use bigger rings (medium gym hoops) that drop on more easily.

Learning goals

• Improve throwing accuracy.
• Coordinate eye and hand.
• Take turns in a small group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Plastic poles: 6
• Cones with pole holes: 6
• Hoops: 30

Teacher tip

Small groups and lots of stations mean every child tosses often. If you don't have small rings, rubber ring-toss rings work just as well.

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