Elves Hop From Mushroom to Mushroom

The hoops are mushrooms in the magic forest and the elves hop from one to the next with feet together, following crisscrossing paths without stepping on the enchanted grass. They practice two-footed jumping, coordination and choosing their route.

How to play

1. The teacher sets hoops around the playground in several mushroom paths, with cones as the forest trees (2 min).
2. Practice the elf jump: feet together, arms back, and jump forward landing softly (2 min).
3. Hop from mushroom to mushroom on any path you like, without stepping on the grass in between (3 min).
4. Colored mushrooms: the teacher calls a color and we only hop onto mushrooms of that color (3 min).
5. Special jump: inside each mushroom do a trick (spin, crouch, clap) before hopping to the next one (3 min).
6. Elves sit in their favorite mushroom to catch their breath (1 min).

Rules

• I jump with both feet together.
• One elf fits on a mushroom: if it's taken, I wait or find another.
• I land softly, with bent knees.
• If I step on the grass, that's OK: I keep hopping.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: travel the mushroom path in the wheelchair, stopping in each big hoop to do the trick with the arms.
• Visual impairment: use flat hoops or ones with an edge you can feel with your foot, and a buddy who says "jump."
• Less coordination: hoops close together, stepping one foot then the other.

Learning goals

• Jump forward with both feet together.
• Link jumps together while keeping balance.
• Choose a path and adjust when a mushroom is taken.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 20
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Make sure the hoops don't slide on the floor (rubber surfaces or firm sand work best). The common mistake is landing stiff-legged or with feet apart; remind them to be "spring-loaded elves."

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