Hopping Over Juice Cartons
Empty juice cartons lie scattered on the floor and children hop over them as they move, first walking and then jogging. It builds two-footed takeoff and adjusting a run to small obstacles.
How to play
- Scatter the cartons on their sides, well apart, and walk between them without stepping on them (1 min).
- When the drum taps, jump over the nearest carton with feet together like a frog, then keep walking (1 min).
- Now jog gently and hop over every carton you find, on one foot or two (2 min).
- The teacher calls "Carton!" Everyone finds one, stands next to it, and jumps forward and back over it three times (1 min).
- Finish by tiptoeing between the cartons and taking deep breaths (1 min).
Rules
- I jump the carton, I don't step on it.
- If a friend is at my carton, I find another one.
- When the teacher says "Carton!" I pick just one.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a big step over the carton is fine; two-footed jumps only when the drum taps.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, mix feet-together jumps with long strides while jogging.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, stand some cartons upright to make them taller, and add sideways jumps and hopping on each foot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child passes beside each carton and taps it with a hand or foot; a wheelchair user circles around it.
- Visual impairment: mark cartons with high-contrast tape and pair the child with a buddy who holds hands and says "Jump!"
- Less coordination: an adult holds the child's hand on the jumps, and a big step counts as a jump.
Learning goals
- Jump low obstacles with a two-footed takeoff.
- Adjust a run to jump without stopping.
- Warm up the body at the start of the session.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Empty juice cartons: 30
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Rinse the cartons, let them dry open, then tape them shut so they don't drip. If one gets squashed, no big deal, but remind kids the game is jumping over, not stepping on.
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