The Paper Ball Crosses the River

A raised rope is the river; children throw newspaper balls to reach the far bank, then cross the river stepping on newspaper stones to collect them. Children work on overhand throwing, adjusting force and jumping.

How to play

1. Tie a rope between two posts at the children's chest height and tape newspaper sheets on the ground under it as river stones (2 min).
2. Each child has two balls and throws them over the rope with one hand from behind a line (3 min).
3. When there are no balls left on our side, cross the river stepping on the newspaper stones, pick up two balls and come back (3 min).
4. Move the throwing line back one step: now you need to throw harder and higher (3 min).
5. Try throwing with the other hand, and throwing two balls at once on "one, two, three" (3 min).
6. Everyone helps put all the balls in a box (1 min).

Rules

• We only throw when no one is in the river.
• Cross the river by stepping on the paper stones.
• Everyone picks up two balls, no more, no less.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw from the wheelchair with a buddy handing over balls, and cross the river on a path without stones.
• Visual impairment: hang large bells on the rope so they ring when a ball brushes it, and an adult gives direction by voice.
• Less strength or dexterity: throw from closer, or with a bigger ball using both hands.

Learning goals

• Throw overhand, matching force to distance.
• Cross a path of marked steps with jumps or long strides.
• Take turns between throwing and collecting.

Equipment for a class of 25

• newspaper balls: 50
• long rope: 1
• newspaper sheets: 10

Teacher tip

The key moment is the crossing signal: nobody crosses until the teacher says "River's clear!" A paper ball doesn't hurt, but this builds the habit of not throwing when someone is in front.

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