The Three-Color Wall

Three big poster-board circles are taped on the wall (red, yellow, and green), and children throw soft balls at the color the teacher says or shows. They practice aiming at a vertical target and listening for an instruction before throwing.

How to play

1. Together we tape the three circles to the wall and say their colors out loud (1 min).
2. Round one: the teacher says a color, and the first group of five throws at that circle (4 min).
3. Round two: the teacher doesn't say it anymore, just holds up a color card (3 min).
4. Round three: each child calls out their color before throwing, and everyone watches if it hits (3 min).
5. We pick up the balls and carefully take down the circles for next time (1 min).

Rules

• First I listen for the color, then I throw.
• I throw from my line.
• Kids who are waiting sit and watch.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tape extra circles lower down, at chair height.
• Visual impairment or color blindness: besides color, each target has a different shape (circle, square, triangle).
• Hearing impairment: always use the card along with the voice.

Learning goals

• Throw at a chosen target.
• Pay attention to an instruction before acting.
• Recognize basic colors.

Equipment for a class of 25

• colored poster boards: 3
• tape: 1
• soft balls: 25

Teacher tip

Space the circles well apart so hits are clear. The silent second round is a favorite and makes them watch you; use it to bring the group's noise down.

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