Hobbies And Interests
Basket-Beans
Position an empty laundry basket in front of your toddler. Demonstrate to your toddler how to toss a bean bag into the basket. Allow child to toss in the bag. Provide numerous opportunities for your child to enjoy the action and consequence of the game. Move the laundry basket slowly away from the child, in minute increments, if the child is ready for a greater challenge. Increase the challenge even further by moving the basket to the left or to the right.
Milking the Beans
Cut an empty plastic milk jug in half and use the top portion--with spout--for a "mitt." Instruct the toddlers to work in pairs: one child holds the handle of the milk jug while the other holds a bean bag. Show the toddler holding the bean bag how to gently toss the bean bag into his partner&'s "mitt." Allow children to take turns throwing and catching.
Bean Bag Race
Challenge slightly older toddlers with a bean bag race. Establish start and finish lines and choose two children to race each other. Place a bean bag on each child&'s back. Instruct the children to race to the finish line, careful not to let the bean bags fall off their backs. Keep score, if appropriate for your group of children, by counting how many children on each team complete the challenge with the bean bag still balanced at the finish line.
Bean Bag Bowling
Set up several rows of plastic cups on the floor, either in straight rows or in the formation of bowling pins. Demonstrate how to play by standing one or two feet away from the plastic cups. Toss a bean bag towards the rows of cups with the aim of knocking over any of the cups. Take turns with your toddler. Adjust the distance for variation, according to how you think your child needs to be encouraged or challenged. Reverse the game for older toddlers by turning the cups upside down and asking the child to toss the bean bag into the cups.