The Heron Who Throws with Her Foot
Like herons in the river, children balance on one foot with a beanbag on top of the other foot, lift it and flick it forward with a leg swing toward a hoop. It works balancing on one foot and coordinating the leg with the eyes.
How to play
- We're herons: balance on one foot with arms out like wings (2 min).
- Put the beanbag on top of your foot and lift it a little without dropping it (2 min).
- Swing your leg and flick the beanbag forward (2 min).
- Now aim at a nearby hoop (3 min).
- Try with the other foot (2 min).
- The herons settle: place the beanbag on your head and stand still for a moment (1 min).
Rules
- I flick toward the hoop, not at my friends.
- If I lose my balance, I put my foot down and start again.
- I fetch my beanbag once everyone has thrown.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, beanbag on the foot and slide it forward without lifting, leaning on the wall.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, lift and flick forward with one foot.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, aim at hoops at different distances and try both feet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated, they put the beanbag on their foot or knee and launch it by straightening the leg or arm.
- Less balance: lean on the wall, a chair or a partner's hand.
- Visual impairment: replace the hoop with a box that makes a sound when the beanbag lands inside.
Learning goals
- Balance on one foot.
- Launch an object with the leg.
- Coordinate the eyes with foot movement.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 25
- hoops: 6
Teacher tip
Line the children up all facing the same way with the hoops in front. It works much better barefoot or in flexible sneakers.
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