Yard games are a great recreational activity that many people participate in outside with others. They allow for people to participate in physical activity, usually outside, and benefit from cooperation and social interaction in a low stress environment. This unit teaches students some of the basic skills and rules for a variety of popular yard games that they can participate in with others outside of school. These activities are great options for students who want something different than competitive sports and activities as it provides a low-pressure adaptable option.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate basic skills used in a variety of yard and recreational games (underhand throwing/rolling, striking)
Students will participate in activities demonstrating cooperation and respect for others.
Unit Plan
This unit is 5 days - building on introductory skills and progressing over the days.
Day 1
Underhand tossing demonstration
Underhand tossing practice
Bags/corn hole demonstration
Bags/corn hole practice games
Day 2
Review underhand throwing and practice
Review bags/cornhole
Bags/cornhole games
Day 3
Review underhand toss - in air and practice
Demonstrate Ladder golf
Ladder Golf Practice games
Day 4
Review Ladder golf
Ladder Golf games
Day 5
Demonstrate and practice rolling
Demonstrate Bocce ball
Bocce ball games
Day 6
Demonstrate striking towards ground
Practice striking towards ground
Demonstrate spike ball/alternative
Spike ball practice games
Day 7
Review and Practice striking
Review Spike ball
Spike ball games
Day 8
Yard Game Choice Day
Day 9
Yard Game Choice Day
General Modifications for:
Bags
Equipment:
Lighter objects to throw
Bigger boards/targets
Skill and Rule Adaptions
Shorter distance to the
Allow different types of throws
Ladder Golf
Equipment:
Lighter/high travel objects (foam)
Larger targets (noodles on poles)
Skill and Rule Adaptions
Shorten distance between throws
If they hit the bar, they get a point
Bocce Ball
Equipment:
Use larger/lighter objects (wiffle balls, bean bags, etc.)
Use a larger target (cone, hoop, larger ball, etc.)
Skill and Rule Adaptions
Have a designated starting spot
Play on teams/partners
Points awarded for gett within a certain distance to the ball
More than 1 throw/opportunities
Spike Ball
Equipment:
Larger ball
Bouncier ball
Use a hula hoop or larger target
Skill and Rule Adaptions
Multiple hits/bounces
Use a catch and throw method
Assessment:
Skills checklist
Respect and cooperation checklist
Self-Reflection (respect and cooperation)
Instructional Keys
Break skills into smaller steps
Use visual aids
Use repetition and practice time
Pair students for peer support or peer tutoring
Emphasize teamwork and cooperation over winning and losing