Big Apple Bean Bags (and pumpkin ones too!)

We made this big apple bean bag for our little neighbour, based on some pumpkin bean bags that we made a few years ago.  Whether it be transferring your bean bag from hand to hand, tossing it into a basket, throwing it at a target (one on the floor or one on the wall) or throwing and catching between friends, there are so many developmental skills at work!

Materials

• Felt
• Sewing materials (you can sew these by hand or by machine)
• Fabric scissors
• Plastic pebbles (Polyfil type material.  You can by these at craft and dollar stores.)
• Funnel
• Plastic zip bag

Directions

• Cut out two copies of each of your apple or pumpkin shapes. (Depending on your child’s age and abilities you may need to use a fabric or sewing marker to draw this out beforehand or have them draw a template out on paper, cut it out and tape (with a donut, sticky sides out) it to the felt or cut the felt shapes for them.  He or she may need to cut out the fabric pieces one at a time as well, rather than layering them as we have done.)  For the apple bean bag, we traced around a large lid twice.

• Sew around the edges, leaving a gap that would be big enough to fit your funnel.  We suggest a thicker stitch to withstand all the tossing!  For the apple we inserted the stem and leaf in between the two layers, sewing them in place.

• Slip your funnel into the gap in the bean bag sewing and fill your bean bags with plastic pebbles inside a clear plastic bag so you can see what you are doing and so that the pebbles stay contained.  You may want to use a scoop or spoon or some children will enjoy the sensory experience of using their hands to fill the funnel.  (You may also want to have a vacuum on hand!)

• Carefully sew up the gap.  (Move the beads to the other side of the bean bag to avoid breaking your sewing machine needle.)

• Cut out a stem and leaf for each of your pumpkins.  Sew or glue them on the top of your pumpkin.

• Have fun tossing your beanbags to each other or to a target.

Purpose

• Make props to promote activity, improving one’s fine motor skills and cooperation between pairs.  There are a multitude of bean bag activites and games on the internet to check out!

Safety Notes

• Be sure to keep plastic pellets away from small children (0-3 years) to prevent consumption.
• Exercise care and direct, adult supervision when using fabric scissors as they can be quite sharp.
• A sewing machine is recommended for adult use or based on your child’s age and abilities, with direct supervision.