Toss to the Sky and Catch

Each child tosses a soft ball up and catches it, first after one bounce and then out of the air, with little challenges along the way. Kids practice self-tossing, catching, and confidence in what they can do.

How to play

1. Each child has a soft ball and spreads out with room around them (1 min).
2. Demonstrate: toss the ball a little above your head, let it bounce once, and catch it with two hands: "Up, bounce, got it!" (1 min).
3. Everyone practices at their own pace, a little higher each time (2 min).
4. Now catch it out of the air with no bounce, arms making a basket (2 min).
5. Tambourine challenges: one tap, clap before catching; two taps, touch your head; three taps, sit down and toss from the floor (3 min).
6. Finish: each child picks a favorite toss and does it three times very slowly before putting the ball in the basket (1 min).

Rules

• Toss up, not forward or at others.
• If it rolls away, walk to get it.
• Everyone keeps their own ball and spot.
• Celebrate a catch and try again after a drop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated, toss low and catch on the lap or in a box on the lap.
• Low vision: use a bright ball or one with bells against a plain background.
• Skill levels: confident kids use a small ball; kids who need support use a balloon or scarf, which falls slower.

Learning goals

• Toss a ball upward with control.
• Catch the ball after a bounce and in the air.
• Build confidence through repetition and success.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 22
• tambourine: 1

Teacher tip

Don't count catches; praise the effort and eyes on the ball. Remember that a low toss is the secret to success at this age.

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