The Kangaroo Pouch Box

In pairs, one child is the mother kangaroo holding a box against the tummy like a pouch; the other tosses sock balls into the pouch while the kangaroo moves slowly. It builds throwing at a moving target and moving to receive.

How to play

1. Each pair takes an open box and some balls; the teacher shows how to hold the box against the tummy with both hands (2 min).
2. The kangaroo stands still two steps away while the joey tosses balls underhand into the pouch (3 min).
3. The kangaroo walks slowly sideways and the thrower aims at the moving pouch (3 min).
4. Now the kangaroo helps: it moves to catch the joey's tosses in its pouch (3 min).
5. Switch roles and repeat (2 min).
6. Kangaroos hop to the basket and empty their pouch with one last jump (1 min).

Rules

• I toss underhand and soft into the kangaroo's pouch.
• The kangaroo moves slowly, no running.
• When the balls run out, we both pick them up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair can be the kangaroo with the box on their lap while a partner tosses, or toss to an adult kangaroo.
• Visual impairment: the kangaroo taps the box so the thrower can hear where it is.
• Autism: keep a steady partner and announce when the kangaroo starts moving ("Walking now").

Learning goals

• Throw at a moving target, adjusting direction and force.
• Move to receive an object.
• Cooperate with a partner to score.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardboard boxes: 13
• Sock balls: 40
• Basket: 2

Teacher tip

Lidless shoeboxes or copy-paper boxes are perfect. Have all pairs throw in the same direction, with kangaroos moving sideways, never backward.

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