Image by: Horia Varlan

Straw Javelin Throw

Category
fine
Age Range
3-9 yrs
Setup Time
Under a minute!
Setup Location
Indoor

The preschool years are known as the ‘Golden Age’ of motor development. It is during these years (3‐to 5‐years of age) that important skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching are developed. Through play and physical activity, kids learn and practice skills that become building blocks for more complicated movements.

Physical activity is important for motor development, especially for improving locomotor skills. Research has found that children who spend the most time in moderate to vigorous physical activity tend to have the highest motor skill. Children who are the least active have the lowest motor skills. This may be because physically active children spend more time learning and improving new motor skills. Children with better motor skills may also find physical activity easier and more fun.

We know that motor skills do not always improve naturally. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to introduce children to new movements and create opportunities for them to practice. By encouraging physical activity, you not only help children improve their motor skills, but you also help them increase their confidence!

Steps:

  1. The basic idea is to use a drinking straw and launch it through the air to see who can get it the furthest!

  2. Grab some empty bowls and set them up in a line

  3. Set up a point system for the game

  4. The closest bowl can be worth 5 points, next one worth 10, then 15, and on until 25

  5. The goal is to see who could throw the straw javelin the furthest and collect the most points

Disclaimer: This presents an overview of child development. It is important to keep in mind that the time frames presented are averages and some children may achieve various developmental milestones earlier or later than the average but still be within the normal range of development. This information is presented to help parents understand, at a high level, what to expect from their child. Any questions/concerns you may have about your child’s development should be shared with your doctor.