One thing we have learned as pediatric therapists….NEVER throw out a box without first considering what you could use it for! This fact has become even more important during social distancing. One of our favorite ways to put a box to use for at home therapy, is using it for target practice to challenge those hand/eye coordination skills.
Boxes can easily be used for target practice, by simply opening up the top to throw bean bags, stuffed animals, or even rolled up socks into. You can also increase the challenge like we did, and cut holes in the box to make a smaller and more challenging target to hit. We even decided to color coordinate our targets to match the bean bags, and add points based on distance for extra fun!
Step 1: Tape the box closed and trace circles where you want the targets to be. We used a small plate to help get a symmetrical circle, although we do regret the use of a sharpie as that took a little rubbing alcohol to get off the plate (I would definitely go with a pencil instead).
Step 2: Use a knife, box cutter, or scissors to carefully cut along the traced lines to create holes.
Step 3: Decorate as desired! We went with a quick painter’s tape outline for the colored targets, but feel free to get creative and break out all of the craft supplies. Decorating the box with your child can be another fun activity before the target practice even begins!
Step 4: Play!! Have your child stand away from the box, and practice throwing objects into the targets. You can easily adjust this as needed based on current age and skill level. For beginners start super close, and back away as they improve their aim.
Step 5: Don’t forget to up the challenge! We love adding an uneven surface to stand on (like a pillow or couch cushion). This will increase difficulty by challenging the child’s balance reactions. To make this even more of a strength challenge, have the child squat to pick up the items to activate those lower extremity, hip, and core muscles. For beginners have them squat and get the items directly from the pillow, then lower objects to the floor as the child become more stable.
Beginner Squat
Advanced Squat- Requires further reach
Such a fun way to recycle a box while working on hand/eye coordination, balance, and strength. For older children, you can even have them help with creating and keeping a scoreboard. This can sneak in some handwriting and math practice! Happy throwing!!
