Catching Fun! II
Parent and child play a ball-catching game while singing favorite songs, practicing throwing and catching skills. The agent coaches the parent to observe catching technique, hand-eye coordination, and balance during movement — building gross motor skills and coordination through playful practice.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Open indoor or outdoor space with room to stand 6-8 feet apart. Several different balls (soft foam ball, beach ball, small rubber ball). Comfortable clothing for movement.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by standing about 6 feet away from your child. Hold up the softest ball and say, 'Let's practice catching with just our hands!' Gently toss the ball underhand toward their chest. Watch closely — does your child use both hands together to catch? Do their hands come together to trap the ball, or does they try to catch with just one hand? Tell me what you notice about their catching technique.
Watch for: Child catches ball using only hands (not trapping against chest), with hands working together to secure the ball.
- 2~60s
Now let's make it more fun! Choose one of your child's favorite songs and start singing it together. As you sing, continue throwing and catching the ball back and forth. Watch your child's feet — does they stay balanced while catching? Does they sometimes hop or shift weight to one foot to reach for the ball? The rhythm of the song might help them coordinate movement with catching.
Watch for: Child demonstrates balance control by hopping or briefly standing on one foot while reaching for or catching the ball.
- 3~50s
Let's switch to a different ball now — maybe a smaller one. Hold up both balls and ask your child, 'What's different about these balls?' Listen to their observations. Then give them a challenge: 'Can you throw this one overhand to me?' Watch their throwing motion — does they bring their arm back and forward with force? Does they step forward with the opposite foot?
Watch for: Child uses mature overhand throwing pattern with arm back, forward motion, and opposite foot step.