Please
be patient, I will be adding many more ideas for homemade equipment.
This is just the beginning!
Football
Throwing Can - This
is not really a football, but it is a very cool, and free toy that I use
as a lead-up to throwing a football. I will try to add some pictures
and this is a little tough to explain. You need a flat metal file, a
descent pair of scissors and a pop (soda) can. When you get the hang
of this, it only takes a minute to build each toy. Anyway,
step #1 - Using the flat file, file the very top edge of the can,
along the solder joint (filing across the top, you can file both sides of
the circle top at the same time). You will see the top start to
separate, when you see this around the entire top, pop the top out.
If you did a good job of filing, the edges will not be sharp, however, run
the file along the edges to make sure it is smooth. Step #2 - From
the bottom of the can, go up about an inch and cut the bottom of the can
off. This will be sharp which leads to step #3 - Put tape along the
bottom edge of the can so no one can get cut.
Step #4 - You are ready for action. Make
sure the top is facing forward and throw the can with the same motion as
you would a football. Allow the can to spin off your fingers.
It may take a little practice but it is a great lead up to throwing a
football. The can will curve. When I throw, I have to aim a
little high and to the left.
(Return to the top)
Hockey
Pucks
Snuff Cans to Pucks-
In the past, I had my kids collect snuff (rubbing tobacco cans). I
would have the kids peel the labels off before they brought them in.
Furthermore, this was a great time to lecture and discuss the dangers of
tobacco use. Anyway, I first tried just running tape around the side
of the can to hold the lid on, however, the can was too light (In my
opinion). So I added a little sand to the bottom of the container,
then ran the tape around the side of the can. The sand, keeps the
puck on the ground, and keeping the tape off the top or bottom will still
allow the puck to slide.
Downside - These will not stand up to slap shots
or hard wrist shots. I use them to practice puck control
games.
Swim Noodles to pucks
- I am still experimenting with this idea, but I have been cutting about a
1" - 1 1/2" disc from the end of swim noodles. Here
is where I am. The regular size noodles make a puck that is a little
small in my opinion. The Jumbo noodle makes a little larger than
normal puck, but I can live with it. The downside to both pucks is
that they are light and do not go far. I have been experimenting
with wrapping the sides with athletic tape, which does help.
Upside - Soft non-threatening, especially for
younger students.
Foam (from torn gym
mats) - Do not throw away your old or torn gymnastic mats. The foam
can be used for several things. In this case, it works very well for
making hockey pucks. Just cut out a circle to the size desired, wrap
with athletic tape to give it a little weight, and you have a nice soft
hockey puck. I am still experimenting for the best way to cut these
out. For now, O just use a knife, but I am sure there is a better
way to make a perfect circle. I plan to test a hole cutter when I
find one large enough.
(Return to the top)
Medicine
Ball
Basketballs/volleyballs/tetherballs
- After some of these balls developed holes, I decided to try to make
medicine balls out of them. I experimented with several ideas, here
are the results.
Sand - I added sand to each type of ball,
then I used duct tape to seal the ball. This worked better with the
smaller balls, as sand weighs a good bit. Basketball made about a
10lb ball and tetherball make about an 8lb ball. However, I did not
fill either one, completely full.
Downside - does not
retain shape well. Somewhat messy if it leaks.
Hints: Apply
a rubber patch over the hole, before you duct tape. Use a funnel to
put sand into the ball.
Rags - Stuff old clothing and rags into
the balls, this does not have the weight of sand, but it is less messy and
the ball retains it shape better.
Downside - you need
to close and conceal a larger hole than you needed for the sand.
These are not as heavy as the sand version.
(Return
to the top)
Spider
Web
To build a spider web, you will need two
standards (or something to hold the web), and a flexible material from
which to build the web.
(My Favorite)
Rubber bands - After much
experimenting, I have found that rubber bands work the best for me.
These rubber bands are not you basic rubber band, but are very large
(about 6 feet when cut). They are donated from a parent who gets
them from an auto parts store, for free. They are used in the
shipping of some of the parts to the store, and the store does not need
them. Anyway, cut the band to make a long strand, then build the web
with the bands. I pull them pretty tight, so that any touch of a
band, will cause the whole web to move.
(Also Good) Surgical
Tubing - Surgical tubing works very well for building the web, but
I have a hard time finding it, reasonably priced.
(Also Good) Elastic
- I was given a good bit of elastic from a parent, and it works
very well for the spider web. I only switched because I ran out of
elastic, and received the big rubber bands.
Why Flexible
- The flexible material will give if a student falls on it.
My first attempt was with yarn, but if a student falls, your web will be
badly damage. Not to mention possible injury to the student.
The flexible material will also move the entire web when touched, which
adds to the realism.
(Return
to the top)
Home/Birthday
Games/Combative
Games/Cooperative
Games/Fitness
Activities/Holiday
Games/
Misc
Games/Rhythmic
Games/Small
Space Games/Sports
& Lead Up/Tag
Games/Team
Making
