The Cowboy's Lasso

In small groups, children toss a hoop flat along the ground or through the air to "lasso" a stuffed animal playing a runaway cow, trying to land the hoop around it. Children practice aiming and adjusting throwing force while waiting their turn.

How to play

1. Make groups of four; each group has a stuffed-animal cow on the ground and a tape line two steps away (2 min).
2. The teacher shows the lasso: hoop flat in your hand, arm back, and a low toss toward the cow (2 min).
3. Taking turns, each cowhand throws a lasso; if the cow ends up inside the hoop, it's caught! and we all shout "Yee-haw!" (3 min).
4. Whoever catches the cow takes a step back for the next toss; if not, take a tiny step closer (2 min).
5. The cow's on the move! A teammate moves the cow to a new spot after each throw (2 min).
6. Return the cows to the corral and the lassos to the pile (1 min).

Rules

• I throw only when nobody is in front of my cow.
• I wait my turn behind the line.
• I pick up my lasso after everyone has thrown.
• If I miss, the cow just dodged me!

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws from the wheelchair with the cow closer or a bigger hoop.
• Visual impairment: the cow has a jingle bell that a buddy rings before the throw.
• Autism: a set turn in the group (always after a certain friend) and the same distance every time.

Learning goals

• Throw a hoop with controlled direction and force.
• Judge the distance to a target.
• Take turns throwing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25
• Stuffed animals: 6
• Masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Have all groups face the same wall so nobody throws toward another group. Teach them to throw the hoop flat like a plate, not on its edge, because on its edge it rolls and never catches the cow.

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