Throw and Catch - Outcome A (K-3)-5

	Catching
	Overhand Throwing

Each child should pick up a beanbag or a small hand-sized ball and find a personal space. The children start with their feet shoulder width apart in a balanced position. They should throw the object up to head height and catch it.

Call out variations to the task, such as:

• Throw with one hand, catch with two
• Throw with one hand, catch with the other
• Throw up from under your leg
• Catch behind your back
• Catch down by your feet
• Throw as high as you can while still being able to catch it
• Throw and clap your hands before catching.

As children's skill levels progress, have them move in and out of spaces while throwing and catching. If the ball or beanbag drops, have the children remain stationary for five successful throws and catches before moving again.

This activity can also be done with a partner, and can be either stationary or moving.

Bounce balls against the gymnasium walls rather than just throwing them in the air.

Ask the children to count the number of successful throws and catches for a specific amount of time (one minute). Then do it again and have the students try to beat their previous record. Children can choose whether they want to be moving or stationary, but must be consistent for both trials.

These are clues that you have reached the outcomes ...

Children could use a self-assessment activity at the end of class to show whether or not they thought their throwing and catching skills had improved.

They could point to one of three happy faces, or tell the teacher on the way out of the class what quality of performance they have achieved. For example, happy faces or numbers could indicate the following:

• Caught most balls/beanbags today. Dropped very few.
• Caught more balls/beanbags today than I dropped.
• Caught a few balls/beanbags today.

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