Chinese Jump Rope with Rhymes
A traditional playground game where two players hold a loop of elastic around their legs while a third jumps a step pattern to a rhyme. Students build coordination, rhythm and movement memory as the elastic moves higher.
How to play
- Make groups of three and give each a closed elastic loop about 10 ft long. Two students stand inside the loop about 6 ft apart, stretching it at ankle height.
- Teach the basic pattern to a four-beat rhyme such as "Teddy bear, teddy bear": jump in, jump out, land on both strands, then jump out straddling (3 min).
- The jumper performs the whole pattern. If she or he gets it right, the elastic moves up: ankles, calves, knees and, for older students, thighs.
- If the jumper misses a step, lands wrong or gets tangled, they switch roles with one of the holders. Everyone should jump and hold several times.
- After 8 minutes, each trio invents a new step and adds it to the end of the pattern (3 min).
- Finish by pairing up two trios: each teaches its pattern to the other and they try it (4 min).
Rules
- Switch roles as soon as the jumper misses, no arguing.
- Holders keep their legs steady and don't move the elastic to cause a miss.
- Maximum height is knee level for younger students.
- Safety: never let go of a stretched elastic suddenly or pull it toward anyone's face.
Variations
Easier
Always jump at ankle height with a two-step pattern.
Standard
Four-step pattern moving the elastic from ankles up to knees.
Harder
Narrow the elastic by holding it with one foot per holder and do the pattern at double speed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student anchors one end around a chair leg and chants the rhythm, or performs the pattern with fingers on elastic stretched over a table.
- Hearing impairment: show the beat with visible claps and count the steps on your fingers.
- Low coordination: practice the pattern first without elastic, on two chalk lines.
Learning goals
- Coordinate jumps with a chanted rhythm.
- Remember and create step patterns as a group.
- Appreciate a traditional playground game and its rhyme tradition.
Equipment for a class of 25
- elastic loops: 9
Teacher tip
Loops can be made from sewing elastic tied in a knot. Encourage mixed groups: this game has long been seen as a girls' game, and it's worth breaking that stereotype.
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