Farmer and the Bunny

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Age
3-5 years
Child Development
Turn taking, patience
Equipment
A stuffed animal or ball
Physical Activity

This activity aims to build the fundamental movement skills of coordination (catching and throwing).

How to Play

Have the children sit in a small circle, ready to pass the ball/bunny or any stuffed animal. Start passing the ball/bunny around the circle.

Those not touching the ball/bunny pretend to plant seeds in the garden (slap hands on floor or clap hands).

The ball/bunny is passed very gently, using two hands, from child to child. Tell children to bring ball/bunny close to their heart before passing to the next person.

Go around the circle a few times (have children their keep eye on the ball/bunny). Repeat with children kneeling, and then standing. Have children take one step back and try again, reaching to ‘catch’ the ball/bunny and bring him in for a squeeze (hug).

Change it up / Alternatives / Additional Options
  • Try using a smaller or larger object to make it easier or more difficult to pass and catch.
  • Every second person, kneels or stands (don’t forget to bring bunny close to heart before passing again).
  • Practice tossing a soft spongy ball or rolled up sock – the farther away you stand, the harder it is.
  • Older children – add one larger ball or object (farmer). When the bunny is half way around, start the farmer in the same direction. The farmer is trying to catch the bunny. The farmer can change directions to try and catch the bunny, but the bunny can only go one way, until the farmer changes direction.
  • Try challenging older children to stand on one foot.
  • For a child with a disability that limits their throwing or locomotor skills, provide a larger, closer target for them to aim for.
  • For anyone that may be sensitive to the texture of the ball/bunny, have other options available for them to pass, such as bean bags.
  • For a child with a visual impairment, provide a ball or object that makes noise as it moves.
  • If you have a child with another type of disability not mentioned above, they may be able to participate in this activity without adaptations or modifications.

Source – A Hop, Skip and a Jump