Word Target Throw
Parent sets up sticky notes with simple words on a wall, and 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 aiming accuracy — building gross motor skills and letter recognition through active play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear wall space at child's eye level. Sticky notes with simple words (focus on letter F or current learning letter). Soft plastic ball. Marker for writing words. Enough floor space for child to stand back and throw safely.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start with the first throw. Say a word clearly, like 'fox,' and point to it on the wall. Encourage your child to throw the ball to hit that word. Watch closely as they prepares to throw — does your child shift their weight from back foot to front foot? Does they bring their arm back and then forward in one smooth motion? Tell me what you notice about 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 some overhead throws. Encourage your child to bring the ball up over their head with both hands and throw from that position. You might say 'Show me how high you can throw!' Watch carefully — does your child bring both hands overhead? Does they release the ball at the right moment to hit the target? Notice if they uses more force or accuracy from this position.
Watch for: Child throws ball over head using both hands with coordinated motion.
- 3~40s
Let's focus on aiming now. Choose two words that are farther apart on the wall — maybe 'fish' on the left and 'flower' on the right. Call out words randomly and watch how your child adjusts their aim. Does they look at the target, then adjust their body position? Does they show better accuracy after a few tries? We're looking for that connection between eyes, brain, and body movement.
Watch for: Child adjusts throwing aim based on target location, showing visual-motor integration.