Scarf Swap in the Air

In pairs facing each other, children toss scarves to one another, first taking turns and then both at once, catching their partner's scarf before it hits the ground. It works on tossing and catching while adjusting force and timing to someone else.

How to play

1. In pairs, each child with a scarf, toss your own scarf up and catch it to warm up your hands (2 min).
2. Stand face to face very close and hand the scarf over, then try dropping it onto your partner's hand (2 min).
3. Take turns tossing: one child tosses the scarf up and toward their partner, who catches it; then switch (3 min).
4. Now both at once: say together “One, two, go!”, both toss, and each catches the partner's scarf (3 min).
5. If it works, take one small step back and try a little farther apart (1 min).
6. Say goodbye to your partner by bumping scarves together like a high five (1 min).

Rules

• Toss gently and upward so your partner can catch it.
• Count together before tossing at the same time.
• If it drops, no big deal: pick it up and go again.
• Help your partner succeed.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner gets down to the child's level and tosses from very close; if catching is hard, the scarf can land in their lap or a basket.
• Hearing impairment: show the “one, two, go” count on fingers too.
• More skilled children: each tosses two scarves, one after the other, nonstop.

Learning goals

• Toss with the right force and direction for a partner.
• Catch a light object in the air.
• Coordinate with a partner to act at the same moment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• fabric scarves: 26

Teacher tip

Pair children of similar skill so both have fun. Tossing at the same time is the hardest part: partner up with a child in front of the group and exaggerate the count.

More main activities for Elementary