Do your kids like to throw things? Would you like them to channel their energies into something mores positive? Try setting up a pool noodle javelin competition in honour of the Summer Olympics!
Okay, I’ll be honest and say that my children don’t generally throw things around, but I’m actually encouraging them to challenge their skills (or rather lack of them at this point). My children, particularly my son, don’t always like to be too physical so I’m challenging myself this year to find activities they can try out at home.
I want to find something they enjoy, something they can challenge themselves with (personal bests are always a good way to measure improvement), and sometimes a little challenge between them can spark a fire for wanting to improve.
After the kids had used their pool noodles for hurdles, I simply removed the chopstick posts from them and then the kids used them as javelins.
Yes, technically, javelins should be longer than these, but a full-size noodle would be toooo long, and we already had these cut, so we used them. After all, we’re not actually in the Olympics, but just having fun!
The kids moved to the far back corner of our garden and threw their pool noodle javelins as far as they were able. They didn’t go terribly far as they are so light in weight, but that was a good thing in our restricted space. And sure, if I can learn to drive a golf ball for a university class using wiffle balls (affiliate link), then I figured this is a good way to learn to throw a javelin.
After each child had taken their two turns, they would see whose had been thrown the furthest.
Those pool noodle javelins would go in all directions, too!
Tristan and Kallista had a lot of fun, and they could hardly wait to go pick up their javelins and take their next turn. Funny how a little piece of foam can create such joy – I love it!
Keep your eyes open for more Olympic ideas coming your way this summer!
