Playtime Compass LogoPlaytime Compass
Back to library
A young child throws a crumpled newspaper ball toward a painter's tape spider web stretched across the top half of a doorway.
Gross motorToss To TargetIndoor

Sticky Spider Web.

Turn a doorway into a giant sticky spider web that catches flying newspaper balls. Each throw gives your child a clear target and an instant stick-or-drop result while building aim and throwing control.

Play time
15-30+ min
Age
2-4 years
Energy
Medium
Mess
Low
Effort
Low
Where
Indoor
Start here

The recipe.

Low parent effort
3 things

What you need

  • Painter's tape
  • Several sheets of newspaper
  • A doorway, hallway opening, or other narrow indoor space
15 min minimum

Setup

Then start the loop
Step 01
Crumple several sheets of newspaper into loose, lightweight balls.
Step 02
Stretch painter's tape in crossing lines across the top half of a doorway, securing the ends with the sticky side facing your child.
"Ready, throw."
The loop

How play unfolds.

A three-panel play sequence showing a child picking up a crumpled newspaper ball, throwing it at a tape spider web in a doorway, and checking whether it stuck.
  1. 01
    Have your child throw one newspaper ball at the web and see if it sticks.
  2. 02
    If it falls, pick it up or grab another ball and try again.

Safety Check

  • Keep the tape web on the top half of the opening so your child does not run through it.
  • Stay close if your child still mouths paper or tape.
  • Pause the game if your child starts jumping at the web, pulling tape down, or overreaching for stuck balls.
Skill spotlight
Toss To Target

Throwing a light object toward a visible target

This helps a child connect what the eyes see to how the arm moves, match body force to a visible target, and keep trying after a miss.

  • •The high target gives each throw a clear job, which makes aim easier to notice.
  • •The light paper shows right away when a throw was too soft, too hard, or just right.
  • •A miss does not stop the game. It just sets up another quick try.
Real-world transfer
  • Throwing light balls or beanbags toward a spot with more control.
  • Judging how much force a body movement needs.
  • Trying again after a miss in simple target games.
Supporting the play

What to say in the moment

Match what you say to what you see.

Prompt ladder
Level 1 (Start)
"Can you hit the spider web?"
Level 2 (Keep going)
"Get another one and throw again."
Level 3 (Stretch)
"Can you hit a high strip this time?"
Level 4 (Extend)
"Can you get one to stick near the last one?"
If your child seems...
What you'd see
Focused
What to do
Say
"Pick one and throw."
Add
Point to one part of the web and name it high or low.
Extend
Ask for one more throw from the same spot.

Make it easier

Younger end
  • -Use bigger, looser paper balls that are easy to grab and throw.
  • -Let your child throw from very close to the web.
  • -Stop after a few throws, clear the web, and start a fresh round.

Make it harder

Older end
  • +Take one small step back after a successful throw.
  • +Ask your child to aim for a strip above the last hit.
  • +Have your child gather two fallen balls before the next throw.

If it's not working

If you see
If child ignores it
Do one throw yourself, react to the stick or miss, and hand your child the next ball right away.
If you see
If child misuses it
Move back to one standing throw spot and hand over one ball at a time.
If you see
If child gets frustrated
Move closer, count any hit on the web as success, or let your child press one ball onto a lower sticky strip before trying another throw.

Parent questions

Back to library
Keep playing

Related activities.