Gross Motor Skills
Jumping activities;
Jump up - Hang some objects from a string and have the child jump up to pull it down. Or jump up to hit a balloon attached to a string. Can attach to a yardstick and you can adjust height for each student. Bubbles are also a fun way to work on jumping to try to pop them.
Paper plate alligator pond game- Tape several paper plates to the floor in a spaced line. Have the kids jump from one to the next and try not to fall in the alligator pond! You could also use stepping stones to further challenge balance.
“What time is it Mr. Fox”- Use jumping forward instead of steps. You stand with your back to the group of children. Ask “What time is it Mr. Fox?” You say different numbers like “Two O’clock.” The player would take 2 jumps forward. (Can take 2 steps if unable to jump forward or jump in place first and then take 2 steps). When you sense the kids getting close to you, you turn around and chase them back to the start point and try to tag someone. The next person tagged is now the fox!
Freeze Dance – Put music on and practice a variety of different movements (like jumping, balancing on one foot, squatting, galloping, running etc.) When the music stops, freeze!
Hopscotch- Using sidewalk chalk or masking tape, create a hopscotch course of 1 block 2 block, repeat. Practice jumping forward and landing on 2 feet. More advanced can practice hopping forward on 1 foot for the single blocks. Less advanced – assist by helping or holding their hand.
Mini trampoline practice
Snake in the grass – Sit in the middle of a circle of children. Swing a rope in a circle and have the kids try to jump over the rope. Make sure the end of the rope does not have anything on it that could cause them to lose their balance. For kids with balance challenges, have someone hold their hand. Could do this with 1 child at a time if to difficult with a group. The child jumps in place to clear the rope as it approaches them. Don’t let the snake touch you!
Frog jump – For leg strengthening for jumping have kids pretend they are frogs in a squatted position and jump around the room.
Jumping down- Stand on the edge of a curb and hold the child’s hand. Have them jump down and land on 2 feet with the necessary level of assistance to remain safe.
Jumping sideways- Place a straight line on the floor. Have the child jump sideways right and left over the line.
Simon Says- Simon says is a great activity to incorporate listening as well as motor skills such as jumping in place, jumping from object to object in a given direction, and jumping on one foot.