The Name Game of the Tars

[20 Minutes]

You've heard of the "name game"...well the name game hits the pavement when you and your child spell out your names and a word that rhymes with them on your favorite piece of tar or concrete. The tricky part is to be the first to hit every letter with your bean bag.

You'll need:

• sidewalk chalk - colored if possible • a safe clear patch of pavement or concrete to write on • 2 small bean bags (or make your own with 2 small plastic baggies, some dried navy beans, and 2 rubber bands) • soap and water for cleanup

What to do:

1. Explain to your child that you will be playing a new name game where you'll not only spell out your names on the pavement, but you'll be rhyming your names with another word. To act upon the spelling, you and your child will be throwing your bean bags on the letters - one at a time.
2. Arrange it so that you each have the same number of letters to make it fair.
3. Prepare for a lot of running back and forth to fetch the bean bags and to toss them again.
4. This is a game of fun with lots of giggles!

How to play:

1. After you and your child have picked your pavement, and armed yourselves with chalk and a bean bag, use your imaginations to come up with a word or two that rhymes with each of your names.

   For instance, if your child's name is Kyle, he could use "Smiling Kyle" or "Kyle's Style".
   If your name is Kelly, you could use "Kelly Belly" or Kelly's Jelly".
   Get as creative or as wacky as you want.

2. Try to match the number of letters to make it fair.
3. Now, write your names and words on the pavement. Use big letters to make the target easier to hit. After you've spelled it all out, make a circle or a square around every single letter so each letter is enclosed. This is your target.
4. Let your child decide how far away the "throwing line" will be from the names on the pavement. Vary the line according to age and skill.
5. On "Go!" - each of you will begin throwing your bean bags at your letter targets. First you'll throw - then you'll run to retrieve it and try again. Don't move on to the next letter unless you've hit the target.
6. When you've completed both the name and the rhyming word by hitting all of your targets -- you're done! Who won? Want to try again?

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Why was a bean bag a good choice for hitting the targets?
• What was more challenging - running back and forth to get your bean bag or aiming and hitting your target?
• If your aim is good - what sport or activity do you think you would like?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity provides experiences for developing running, aiming and throwing skills.