The Low Hoop

Ages 6-9

Tani holds the little paper hoop while his friend drops a beanbag through it.

The beanbag passes cleanly.

His friend moves the hoop higher. Tani's elbows rise above his shoulders.

"Higher."

Tani takes one hand from the hoop. Its lower edge bends.

His friend picks up the beanbag.

Tani lowers the hoop to his chest.

"I can hold it here."

His friend looks at the low opening.

"That's easy."

Tani keeps it at his chest.

His friend steps backward.

The beanbag hits the hoop's edge. Tani straightens it, still at the same height.

His friend tries again from the farther place.

This time the beanbag passes through. Tani's elbows stay beside his ribs while his friend retrieves it beyond the low hoop.