Gross motor inspo: Ways to use bean bags for skills development

Bean bag sets are ubiquitous, cheap, and easy to get hold of; and they’re not just fun toys, they’re also versatile tools that can provide significant developmental benefits for our kids.

Their soft, pliable nature makes them safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities to engage in activities that promote gross motor skills, fine motor control, and overall coordination. When used in activities like target tossing, bean bags encourage participants to practice aiming, throwing, and catching, which are essential skills for hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. These activities also improve muscle strength and control, especially in the arms and shoulders, contributing to better overall movement proficiency.

Bean bags can also be used to enhance balance and body awareness through activities like balancing challenges and obstacle courses. Kids can learn to stabilise their bodies while carrying bean bags in creative ways, such as on their heads or backs, which strengthens core muscles and improves posture. The tactile feedback provided by bean bags also stimulates sensory development, helping individuals better understand their body’s movements and positions in space.

So much power packed into a little tool, huh? Here are some creative ways you can put them to use at home…

Target toss

Create large, colourful targets on the ground or wall with different point values. Children can practice tossing bean bags at the targets from varying distances, improving hand-eye coordination and motor control.

Bean bag balance

Encourage children to balance bean bags on different body parts while walking or navigating through obstacle courses. This activity promotes balance, core strength, and spatial awareness, which are beneficial for children with mobility challenges.

Bean bag relay race

Organise relay races where children carry bean bags in creative ways (e.g., balancing on heads, holding with elbows) to the finish line. This fosters teamwork, coordination, and gross motor skills development.

Colour sorting

Use bean bags of different colours and provide tactile cues (e.g., textured containers, visual cues) for colour sorting activities. This helps children with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities improve colour recognition and fine motor skills.

Sensory obstacle course

Design sensory-rich obstacle courses incorporating bean bags on various surfaces (e.g., soft mats, textured paths). Children can explore different textures while working on motor planning, coordination, and sensory integration.

Bean bag limbo

Adjust the limbo stick to different heights and encourage children to limbo under while holding bean bags at varying levels. This activity promotes flexibility, body awareness, and motor coordination.

Musical bean bags with prompts

Play music and incorporate prompts (e.g., perform a movement, answer a question) when children catch the bean bag. Use visual or auditory cues for children with processing difficulties, enhancing listening skills and motor response.

Adaptive bean bag art

Provide adaptive tools (e.g., easy-grip handles, adaptive paintbrushes) for children with fine motor limitations to create artwork using old bean bags. This sensory art activity encourages creativity, self-expression, and fine motor coordination.