Innovative Learning Solutions

In this softer version of a backyard classic, a foam noodle and foam balls become a bat and bases. And unlike in the big leagues, corks in this bat are legal — and needed to keep the wooden dowel from sliding out. To make a bat, use scissors to cut a pool noodle to 33 inches. Make the bat rigid by inserting a 28-inch length of a 5/8-inch-diameter wooden dowel into the noodle. Place a cork in each end. Wrap duct tape around one end of the noodle for a grip. For bases, use scissors or a small saw to cut old foam balls in half (an adult’s job). Then use your homemade equipment with a foam ball to play backyard baseball. Our youngest testers liked that everything was soft — from the bat to the ball to the bases. And we think your windows and cars will appreciate that too.

PASS IT TO ME
This group challenge for three or more players lets kids practice both their Peyton Manning and Randy Moss moves (quarterback and wide receiver, for those of you not up on your NFL stars). Start by designating a spot in the middle of a large playing area (you can use one of the foam bases from above or any other soft object). Players form a circle around the object, then take five steps back. At the count of three, each player tosses a football to the player on her left while trying to catch the football tossed to her. If everyone is successful, players take five more steps back and repeat. If not, they return to the center and start over. The goal: to see how far from the center you can get.