Fuzzy Target Toss

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 10 minutes
Where:: Wall or easel

Why it helps

This fun tossing and peeling game helps strengthen the muscles in your child's shoulders and arms, and encourages them to reach across the middle of their body, which is crucial for things like self-dressing and writing. Choking risk: pom-poms can be a choking hazard. Stay within arm's reach, and keep them away from children who still put things in their mouths.

Prepare your materials! Place a small circle of Velcro (the hook side is usually best) on the back of several pom-poms. Place the loop side of the Velcro on a large piece of Felt to create your target.

Use Masking Tape to secure the Felt target to a vertical surface, like a door or the side of a tall bookshelf.

Place the target high enough so your child has to reach up or slightly across their body to aim.

Have your child stand back a few feet and gently toss the pom-poms at the target. Cheer them on as they try to get the fuzzy items to stick!

After all the pom-poms are tossed, have your child practice peeling them off. Encourage them to use both hands—one to stabilize the felt, and the other to peel the pom-pom.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the target surface is stable. If your child is jumping or reaching high, spot them gently. Always supervise to ensure pom-poms are not placed in the mouth.

Make it easier

Stand close to the target, about an arm's length away, and use the largest pom-poms you have.
Lower the target to chest height so your child can toss straight ahead.
Let your child walk up and press each pom-pom onto the felt before trying to toss.

Make it harder

Draw rings on the felt with a marker and give more points for the center.
Toss with the non-dominant hand, or toss while kneeling.
Step back one big step each time three pom-poms stick.

What to watch for

Notice whether your child tosses with a big swing from the shoulder or flicks from the wrist.
Watch whether one hand holds the felt flat while the other peels, or whether the felt lifts off the wall.
If the ripping sound of Velcro bothers your child, let them peel slowly or just collect the pom-poms that fall.

Where this helps in daily life

Reaching up and tossing build the shoulder strength kids use to put toys on a shelf, pull a shirt over their head, and throw a ball at recess. Peeling while the other hand holds steady helps with Velcro shoes.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.