• A beanbag, soft foam ball, or sock ball (made by stuffing two socks into one another)

Instructions

1. Show your child the overhand catching stance: hands at head height, palms forward, fingers separated and pointing upward, thumbs side-by-side and almost touching (they should nearly form a ‘W’ with the index fingers).
2. Stand 2-3 metres from your child and gently toss the ball into his or her hands.
3. If your child has difficulty catching the ball, move closer.
4. As your child begins to catch the ball consistently, move farther away. See how far away your child can catch the ball.
5. Keep your ball tosses at head height.

Variations

• At distances of 5-10 metres, toss the ball slightly to each side – child should move their feet to get behind and under the ball

Benefits

This activity develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, and the ability to track moving objects in the air. These skills transfer to sports and activities that involve flying objects (e.g., balls, shuttlecocks, frisbees, ribbons, sticks, batons).