Bluebells Long Rope Swing

Introduction to long rope jumping with traditional rhymes, where the rope swings side to side without turning over and only makes one full turn at the end of the rhyme. Students practice two-foot jumping in rhythm, entering and exiting the rope, and classic playground games.

How to play

1. Make 5 groups of 5 with one long rope each: two students turn and three wait in line about 6 feet to one side.
2. Still rope (3 min): with the rope on the ground, jump with two feet from side to side ten times. Then raise it about 4 inches and repeat.
3. Swing (5 min): turners swing the rope along the ground side to side, like a pendulum. The jumper stands in the middle and jumps each time it passes while the group chants 'Bluebells, cockle shells, evie, ivy...'
4. Over (5 min): on the word 'over,' the rope makes one full turn overhead; the jumper clears it and runs out the other side.
5. Run in (5 min): the rope is already swinging and the jumper enters as it swings away. After each rhyme, rotate: the jumper becomes a turner and a turner joins the line.

Rules

• Keep the swing low, never above the knees.
• Nobody waits inside the rope area.
• If the rope catches, stop and restart the verse.
• Land on the balls of the feet with knees bent.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: turn the rope sitting or from a wheelchair with a shorter rope, and keep the rhythm of the rhyme.
• Students with autism or sound sensitivity: chant softly and allow quiet counting instead of singing.
• Fitness level: skilled jumpers hop on one foot; students who struggle jump the still rope.

Learning goals

• Jump with two feet in time with a moving rope.
• Enter and exit the rope at the right moment.
• Learn traditional jump rope rhymes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• long ropes: 5

Teacher tip

Teach turning first: the swing comes from the arms and the rope brushes the ground. Any jump rope rhyme students know from home works too.

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