Recess Fun

A Little Piece of Playground History

During indoor recess this winter, our class has been learning a classic playground game called Chinese jump rope — a favorite of many children growing up in the 1960s      (ie: me) and 1970s. Long before screens and devices, children gathered on blacktops and sidewalks with a simple loop of elastic and spent hours creating jump patterns, cheering for friends, and trying to master the next level.

The game is played with a large elastic band held around two students’ legs while a third student jumps through a sequence of patterns. We are starting at ankle height and building skills step by step. It strengthens coordination, balance, rhythm, memory, and — most importantly — cooperation and encouragement.

It has been such a joy to see students light up as they learn something “old-school” that still feels brand new. When the snow melts, we look forward to taking our jumping outside and bringing this timeless playground tradition back to the blacktop.

You might just hear your child asking to show you how it’s done!

This game can be played indoors or out...great for days when we are stuck inside. :)

There are many variations (that's where the creativity comes in). Here are a couple of tutorials so you can see how Chinese Jumprope is played.