The cardboard giant target throw
A big box and rolled socks make a target game. Then five minutes on what scares them, and one small brave step for this week.
- Time
- 45 min
- Cost
- $0
- Ages
- 4 to 10
- Where
- Hallway, living room or yard
What you need
- A big cardboard box or flattened box, the taller the better
- A thick marker, and scissors or a box cutter for Dad
- Five beanbags, rolled socks or soft foam balls per player
- Painter's tape or three sticks for throwing lines
- Paper and pencil for the score
Before you start
- Soft things only. Beanbags, socks or foam. No balls, rocks or toys with hard edges, indoors or out.
- Dad does any cutting. A box cutter is a grown-up tool; kids draw and color.
- One thrower at a time. Everyone else stands behind the line, and nobody fetches until the round ends.
- Clear the backstop. Put the target against a wall or fence, away from windows, lamps, the TV and doorways.
Steps
- Draw the giant. Kid draws a giant on the box. Dad marks zones: body 1, shield 2, helmet 3, a cut-out hole 5.
- Set the three lines. Mark lines at about three, five and seven big steps. Throw from behind a line; fetch only after the round.
- Play three rounds. Play three rounds of five throws. After each round, a player may step back a line for double points.
- Talk about the scary part. Ask what felt scary about stepping back, then what feels like a giant in real life. Listen without teasing.
- Pick one small brave step. Name one small step toward the scary thing this week and write it on the back of the giant.
- Final throw for the brave step. One last throw for the brave step. Leave the giant up and check in on the step in a few days.
If it stalls
- If they don't want to talk, play another round and ask again at bedtime. The game still counts on its own.
- If the scary thing is big, like a move or a sick grandparent, keep it to listening tonight and come back to it.
Points per round · brave step
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date