Scarf Toss Challenges

Each student tosses a scarf into the air and, while it floats down slowly, performs an action such as a clap, a spin or sitting down before catching it. The slow fall of the scarf makes it ideal for building hand-eye coordination, timing and a full-body warm-up.

How to play

1. Give each student a scarf and spread them out with room to spin without touching (1 min).
2. Challenge 1: toss the scarf up with one hand and catch it with the other; then switch hands (1 min).
3. Challenge 2: toss and clap one, two or three times before catching (1 min).
4. Challenge 3: toss, spin all the way around and catch; then touch the floor with both hands before catching (2 min).
5. Challenge 4: toss, sit down, stand up and catch it before it lands (1 min).
6. Partner finish: each student tosses their scarf and runs to catch their partner's (2 min).

Rules

• Toss the scarf straight up, never at another person.
• Look up to track the scarf, but check that no one is close before you spin.
• If it hits the floor, pick it up and repeat the same challenge.
• On the whistle, stop and hold your scarf in your hand.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair does arm challenges, such as claps or touching shoulders, before catching.
• Visual impairment: use brightly colored scarves against a plain background and choose clapping challenges that don't require spinning.
• Skill level: students who master the task toss two scarves at once, one in each hand.

Learning goals

• Coordinate tossing and catching with both hands.
• Judge the falling time of a slow object.
• Link different movements together quickly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• scarves: 25

Teacher tip

Thin, lightweight scarves fall more slowly and give young students more success. On windy days, move the activity indoors or to a sheltered spot.

More activities like this

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