Develop Jumping Skills

Activities that can promote the development of jumping skills while also strengthening balance and coordination, and contributing to better body control and confidence in movement.

• Jump down from a small height, for example, the bottom stair, a stone, or a small elevation in nature.
• Jump in and out of a hula hoop lying on the floor.
• Jump into a hula hoop held slightly off the floor; the height is adjusted to the child's abilities.
• Jump down from the bottom step or the edge of the sandbox and try to jump as far as possible.
• Jump down from the edge of the sandbox and try to land exactly on a line drawn on the ground.
• Jump in 'hopscotch' drawn on the ground.
• Jump forward and stop on a signal; invent various games where jumping is the main movement.
• Create jumping games in uneven terrain, for example, over roots, small stones, small 'hills' of earth, or through forest trails.

To be able to hop on one foot, the child must first master regular jumping. When the child can jump controllably on both feet, one can start practicing hopping on one leg.