Wall Letter Toss: Spell the Word

A team target game: letters are taped to the wall, and each team has to hit them in order with a soft ball to spell its word. It builds overhand throwing accuracy and teamwork.

How to play

1. Tape 26 letter signs to the wall between 18 inches and 6 feet high. Chalk a throwing line at 10 feet and make 5 teams of 5 in lines (3 min).
2. Give each team a 4-5 letter word. The first student throws overhand at the first letter; on a hit, the team writes it in chalk in its floor area.
3. The thrower retrieves the ball and hands it to the next student, who goes for the next letter; after a miss, the next student tries the same letter.
4. When the word is done, the team raises hands and gets a longer one. Rounds last 5 min, with 2 teams throwing at the same time on each half of the wall.
5. Final round (5 min): each team makes up a word for another team, which tries to spell it in as few throws as possible.

Rules

• Only the student on the line throws; everyone else waits behind.
• Retrieve the ball only when nobody is throwing in that area.
• A hit inside the sign or on its edge counts.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: throw from the closest line and focus on mid-height letters.
• Visual impairment: large black letters on yellow signs and a partner who guides direction by voice.
• Skill level: students who hit on the first try move one step back.

Learning goals

• Throw overhand accurately at targets of different heights.
• Work as a team toward a shared goal.
• Connect movement play with reading and spelling.

Equipment for a class of 25

• letter signs: 26
• tape: 1
• soft balls: 5
• chalk: 5

Teacher tip

Spread common letters (vowels, s, r, l) around the wall so students do not always throw at the same spot. Cue elbow above the shoulder and the opposite foot forward.

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