Hit the Word! II
Parent sets up colorful sticky notes with simple words on a wall, and the child throws a ball to hit specific words called out. The agent coaches the parent to observe whole-arm coordination, weight shifting during throwing, and emerging ball-catching skills — building gross motor precision and letter-sound awareness through active play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear wall space with sticky notes posted at child's eye level. Soft plastic ball. Child standing 4-5 feet from wall. Words should be simple, familiar, and spread out.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by handing your child the ball and saying, 'Hit the word 'fox'!' Watch closely as they prepares to throw. Notice their body position — does your child shift weight from back foot to front foot? Does they bring their arm back and then forward in one smooth motion? Tell me what you see in their throwing form.
Watch for: Child shifts body weight and uses coordinated arm motion when throwing at a target.
- 2~35s
Now let's try a different throw. Say, 'This time, use both hands and throw from over your head!' Hand your child the ball again. Watch to see if they lifts both arms overhead, brings the ball behind their head, and then pushes it forward. Does your child manage the two-handed overhead motion, or does they revert to a one-handed side throw?
Watch for: Child throws a ball using a two-handed overhead motion with some coordination.
- 3~40s
Let's add a catching element. After your child throws and hits a word, let the ball bounce once on the floor, then say, 'Catch it!' Watch their response. Does your child track the ball with their eyes, position their body, and attempt to catch it with their arms? Even if they doesn't catch it, notice the attempt — ready position, arm extension, timing.
Watch for: Child attempts to catch a ball after one bounce, showing visual tracking and preparatory movements.