Grasshoppers in the Meadow

Children are grasshoppers crossing a meadow full of tall grass stems (poles on the ground or resting on very low cones), jumping over them. They practice pushing off with both legs and landing with control.

How to play

1. Pretend to be grasshoppers: crouch down, wiggle your antennae, and jump (2 min).
2. Spread the poles around the meadow: some on the ground and some resting on very low cones (2 min).
3. The grasshoppers cross the meadow jumping over any poles they like, each at their own pace (5 min).
4. Each grasshopper picks a favorite path and shows it to a friend (3 min).
5. The grasshoppers land on a leaf and rest with their antennae still (1 min).

Rules

• I jump the pole with both feet together.
• If a pole falls, I put it back.
• I choose tall grass or short grass—whichever I want.
• I look before I jump so I don't bump into anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: roll or walk over the ground poles, or touch them with a pool noodle.
• Visual impairment: brightly colored poles, with the teacher calling "Pole!" right before each one.
• Less skill: choose only the ground poles and step over them.

Learning goals

• Jump over low obstacles.
• Choose one's own level of challenge.
• Land with balance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plastic poles: 8
• low cones: 16

Teacher tip

Use plastic poles that simply rest on the cones, so they fall at the slightest touch. Maximum height: a small cone. Letting kids choose the height prevents frustration.

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