Newspaper Ring Launchers
- Play time:
- 15 to 20 minutes
- Setup:
- 10 minutes
- Where:
- Anywhere
Why it helps
This activity helps your child work on coordinating their big muscle movements. By rolling and throwing their paper tubes, they build strength in their shoulders and arms. Aiming for the hanging ring improves their focus and timing. It is a great way to turn simple items into a fun challenge that burns energy.
Steps
- Help your child roll a single sheet of newspaper diagonally into a tight, long tube.
- Wrap masking tape around the top, middle, and bottom to keep the paper firm.
- Cut a large circle out of the center of a cardboard piece for a target.
- Use ribbon to hang the cardboard ring from a stable doorway or chair.
- Mark a throw line on the floor with tape a few feet away.
- Challenge your child to throw their newspaper tube through the center of the ring.
- Move the line further back to make the game harder as they improve.
Safety tip: Adult supervision is recommended to ensure the child throws safely and the area is clear of breakable items.
Make it easier
- Cut a bigger hole in the cardboard and move the throw line closer to the ring.
- Roll the tube for your child and let them help wrap the tape.
- Hang the ring lower, at about your child's chest height.
Make it harder
- Make two tubes and take turns throwing with each hand.
- Swing the ring gently so your child has to time the throw.
- Cut a smaller hole, or hang a second ring farther away for bonus points.
What to watch for
- Notice whether your child throws underhand or overhand, and whether they step forward with the opposite foot.
- Watch where your child looks while throwing. Keeping the eyes on the ring usually helps the aim.
- If misses upset your child, count any throw that hits the cardboard as a point too.
Where this helps in daily life
Aiming and throwing with control use the same shoulder strength and eye-hand teamwork kids need to toss a ball to a friend, drop laundry into a hamper, and play catch at recess.
Need personalized support?
While these activities are great for home practice, nothing replaces the guidance of a licensed therapist. If you are in Irvine, CA or the Orange County area and have concerns about your child's Eye-Hand Coordination, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Tumble N' Dots Therapy →These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.
