Hop and Shake Through the Hoops

Children hop along paths of hoops holding their shakers and shake every time they land inside one: chk! It works on coordinating the jump with an arm movement and on jumping to a steady beat.

How to play

1. Set up three paths of five hoops and practice hopping through without shakers (2 min).
2. Hop with a shaker in hand: every time you land inside a hoop, chk! (3 min).
3. Change the jump: on one foot for a bit, sideways, or with the hoops spread farther apart (3 min).
4. After the last hoop, run back along the outside shaking the whole way (2 min).
5. Everyone on their path at once, slowly, counting the chk's out loud (2 min).

Rules

• Start when the child ahead has cleared the second hoop.
• Land with both feet inside and soft knees.
• Keep hold of the shaker while you jump.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: roll through the hoops and shake when entering each one.
• Less coordination: jump first and shake second, as separate actions, before putting them together.
• Visual impairment: flat rubber rings or textured markers, and a classmate clapping from the next hoop.

Learning goals

• Coordinate a jump with an arm movement.
• Jump to a steady rhythm.
• Complete the course successfully at their own pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 15
• homemade shakers: 25

Teacher tip

Loose hoops slide on smooth floors; use a rough surface or tape them down. Most children shake in midair instead of on landing, so call out "chk!" right as they touch down.

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