Lesson SOC 14
Task: Toss a beanbag.
Prerequisites: ADT 3, COG 6, SEN 12
Concept: The act of throwing a beanbag by itself has no direct meaning. To give the skill purpose, the action needs to be formed into a game type of activity. This activity should be done in a group setting, although it is not completely necessary. Secondary benefits to this task can be hand-eye coordination and the fine-motor skills involved in throwing an object.
Behavioral Objective: When presented with a beanbag and requested to "hit the target," the student will throw the beanbag at least 3 feet 90% of the time requested, striking the target at least 50% of the time for 20 trials.
Materials: Various beanbags, preferably of bright colors. If these are difficult to find, they can be easily made with a sandwich bag sealed with tape that has been filled with uncooked rice or oats. More talented teachers might be able to sew small pouches. Be sure that only nontoxic materials are used as fillers. Also construct a "target" from poster board and markers. (Note. Students enjoy making their own targets.)
Task Analysis:
1. Assist the student in holding the beanbag and physically guide him or her through the process of a forward arm movement and release of the beanbag. Distance and fluid movements are not significant during this step.
2. Create, or assist the student in creating, a target for the beanbag to hit. One method would be to create a hole in some poster board (at least twice the diameter of the beanbag) for the beanbag to be thrown through. A face or archery type of drawing on the target would work also.
3. Using the target created in Step 2, place the target within arm's reach and assist the student in dropping the beanbag on the target or through the hole.
4. Continue Step 3, moving the student about 1 to 2 feet away from the target and prompting the student to use a throwing action. Continue with physical guidance as needed.
5. Reduce physical guidance and increase the distance up to 3 feet. Introduce the activity as a group game.