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Name of Activity: The Lorax
Purpose of Activity: As a fun culminating or review activity for overhand throwing and catching. I use this game for Dr. Seuss Day or Earth Day as you could discuss environmental issues.
Prerequisites: Ability to throw overhand and catch.
Knowledge of the Dr. Seuss book-The Lorax-I usually read it before the game or at least tell what it is about if kids are not familiar with it.
Suggested Grade Level: 3-5
Materials Needed: 16 plastic bowling pins-the truffula trees,
24 yarn balls/one per student-the truffula fruits,
16 poly spots to mark where to set up the bowling pins,
8 cones preferably green for the grickle grass to mark the middle of the gym.
Description of Idea Set up - you can mark the middle with green cones or polyspots-this is the grickle grass. I place 4 poly-spots even with the foul line and place 4 pins on them and then 4 more about 5 feet behind them but not directly in line with them-so that students can not knock over 2 pins with one throw. Do this for each side of the gym. Divide students into 2 teams and place on each side of the gym. Every student starts with a truffula fruit-yarn ball. The object of the game is to chop down the other teams trees before they chop down yours. (Throwing the balls at the pins.) If a student catches a truffula fruit they may plant a tree-(put a pin back up.) Students may not pick up a tree that is accidentally knocked over by a students foot or body. Students may guard the trees but only for the count of 1 Truffula, 2 Truffula, 3 Truffula. When one team chops down all of the other team's trees they shout,"The Lorax" and sit down. Emphasize proper overhand throwing technique-step with the opposite foot than throwing hand, etc. Also emphasize proper catching technique-above the waist-thumbs together and below the waist-pinkies together.
Variations: If playing by time, the team with the most trees standing is the winner.
Assessment Ideas: Observe the students throwing and catching technique. Are they throwing with accuracy and hitting the pins?
Adaptations for Students with Disabilities: You could use bigger or smaller balls and place the pins closer to the throwers.
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