Gross MotorPreschoolersToddlers21 Comments
Throwing newspapers!
Good for throwing practice, but also for hand-eye coordination, as well as some counting practice in there too!
Super simple setup. Some newspapers and a tub or bucket of some sort to throw into.
Henry and I made our newspaper balls together. Crunch them up any way you like. The tighter they are, the easier they are to throw.
We lined up our newspaper balls in a row and counted them.
Henry counted seven newspaper balls to throw into the tub.
Then we each took turns throwing the newspaper balls into the big green tub.
I have lines on my rug that I had Henry stand behind when throwing, but you could easily put a tape mark down too.
It was hilarious to watch, but also fun to do it too!
Once all the newspaper balls were thrown at or in the tub, we counted them up.
How many did you make into the tub?
How many did you miss?
Henry’s first try? 6 missed. Made 1.
Henry improved a little each time, eventually making it to 4 made and 3 missed.
George and Dad watched from the couch. Dad thought it would be easy to throw it from sitting down on the couch across the room to the tub. It took several tries though before a successful shot. Henry kept wanting him to try until he got it. It was cute!
Check and wash your hands when you’re done. Newspapers leave a nasty black ink residue.
12 Snowy Indoor Activities for Kids this Winter
Bean Bag Toss as a Sight Word Game
40+ Gross Motor Activities to Really Get Kids Moving Outside!
Hand and Eye Coordination with a Hammer & Tees
50+ Perfectly Simple Toddler Activities to Try at Home
Jamie says
I had my 2 year old throw my folded socks into the laundry hamper since I didn’t have any newspaper. He had a blast and it soon evolved into a tractor scoop game. Love getting these ideas straight to my inbox for the 7 day challenge! 👍
Isna Sultan says
Really agree that the indoor throwing game is important for toddlers as it improves the motor skills of a child and which is important for mental growth of a child…
Rachel says
Definitely agree with allowing throwing indoors – especially as it teaches what is safe to throw and what is not!
Chris Miesner says
Thanks a lot for another great information. This website has been my gateway to information.
Katie’s Granna says
Wow ~ great ideas, wish you & the internet were around when we needed help :)
Gloria says
Waoh it was really fun working with the children,infact they wanted to do it all day long
Mary says
Not only did my toddler have fun with this activity, but her 6 year old brother and 4 year old sister loved it as well. They formed teams and held a contest to see who could throw the farthest, get the most newspaper balls in the tiniest container and also who could do it blindfolded. We (including me) enjoyed this activity. Thank you.
Bea Roza says
Great idea can’t wait to try it on my 1year old nephews when they come over to visit. My child has grown children of her own but I am lucky to be surrounded with lots of nieces and nephews. I’m always looking for things to do with them and Love your site. Keep up the good work
Elena says
Simple & easy!! Good to include in your vast directory. Thanks for sharing. Funny that my husband said and did the same:-P
Gina says
Jamie, I do this activity every year during the winter. We don’t have snow down here in AZ, so we use newspaper balls as “snow balls.” The mess is spectacular, but the laughter is even more so!
Jamie says
That’s awesome! I’m so glad I came across this idea too! It’ll be a staple I believe!
Carrie says
Thank you for sharing with us!!
Kelly says
What a simple but fun idea! I bet scrunchy up the paper was a hit too. And isn’t Pinterest great at times – I’ve taken my lad to the computer with me and said ‘which activity from my arts and crafts board do you want to try?’
Thanks for sharing at Happy Family Times!
Jamie says
Pinterest is amazing for that – and great to bring the kids to look at, because it is so visual they can see right away what looks fun to do! Love it!
crystal@growingajeweledrose says
So simple, yet sure to be so much fun! This would be a great rainy day activity, and April is usually pretty rainy! Pinned for the days I am out of ideas ;)
Carrie says
What fun!! I would like to invite you to share at our new linky party for family activities at http://craftymomsshare.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-family-times-new-weekly-link.html. Thank you!!
Jamie says
Thanks! and I linked up too :)