Beginners  Place floor markers in the point positions and then have the children stand on or next to the markers. Then remove the markers so only the bodies form the pattern. This will help the children understand the concept of the activity.

Intermediate  Increase the distance of the throws and have the children try to place themselves diagonally opposite each other without help.

Advanced  Add in another one or two beanbags so the children have to be even more focused and ready to catch and throw and then run when needed.

Special Needs  With a partner or carer, fun can be had trying different balances that are within reach if your special needs child.

If possible do a drawing of a zig-zag pattern and show it to the children. Explain that by using their bodies and standing in the point positions, they too will create a zig-zag pattern.

A long space is best of this activity. Alternatively create two two zig-zag patterns.

Starting at the one end of the room, place one child at a time in the point position of the zig-zag pattern, so diagonally opposite the other.

The children must stand feet apart for the duration of the activity showing they can keep their balance in this way.

The distance from one to the other must be an achievable throwing distance for a beanbag.

The child at the end of the line nearest the centre of the room must start the beanbag and to the child standing diagonally opposite them, that child then throws to the person diagonally opposite them and this continues until the last child in line receives the beanbag.

This end child must run to the starting end of the line and must place them-self in the correct point position so continuing the zig-zag pattern. The throwing then starts again.

The children are not allowed to move their feet at all throughout the activity and to just use the upper body to angle themselves correctly for catching and throwing.

The hands must always be ready to catch the beanbag, which is with the wrists touching and the fingers splayed to form a little hand basket. The throw must be an underhand throw, remind the children to look where they are throwing.

If space allows, let every child have a turn at running to the end of the line so they experience having to place themselves in the correct spatial position to continue the zig-zag pattern.

If you have more than 8 children, and of space allows, split the groups into two and form two zig-zag patterns, this way the children get more turns.

This is a great way to enhance the learning of patterns.

Encourage the children to continually be alert and ready to catch the beanbag so no-one gets hit by one because they are not looking.

If you have two groups creating the patterns, be sure there is enough space for the end child to run around to the start of the pattern.