This activity works best in a large open area on a flat surface like concrete or soft fall.  

Setup

1. Find a nice flat surface for you hoop and position it at a height that suits your child
2. Grab some chalk and write number 1 in front of the hoop, try to make it achievable.
3. Repeat the step above and write number 2 in another position, this time make it a little more challenging – maybe you could try the same distance but from a different angle.
4. Continue the steps above until you have a few numbers. I started with numbers 1 through to 5. Now you are ready to play.

How to play

Have your child start by standing on number 1 and encourage them to throw the ball into the hoop. If the ball goes through the hoop, they move to the next number. If not encourage them to try again. Continue until all numbers are complete. You did it! Don’t forget to acknowledge your child’s effort when playing, some children may become frustrated if goals are not achieved immediately. Acknowledging them will support and encourage them.   

Extension

If your little ones are like my independent child, he loves to challenge himself by adding additional numbers to the game. He also likes to choose the position and will often join me in the set up. This is a great way to involve your child, using it as a “teachable moment” to discuss numbers, practice numeral recognition, and number writing.

If your child is learning equations you might like to challenge them with a number equation with the answer being the number for them to stand on. The extensions are endless!

Have fun- What numbers did you get up to? Let us know in the comments below.