Jump and Stamp the Highest Stars

With butcher paper taped upright on a wall or fence, children take a few running steps, jump, and stamp a paint sponge as high as they can, filling the sky with stars. They practice vertical jumps with a run-up and coordinating the jump with the arm.

How to play

1. We tape the paper vertically on the wall and draw a row of houses at the bottom: we need to fill the sky with stars (2 min).
2. Without sponges, we practice jumping up and touching the wall with an outstretched hand, landing with soft knees (2 min).
3. We dip the sponge, take two steps, jump, and stamp a star in the sky, then walk back to the line along the side (5 min).
4. Now we jump with two sponges, one in each hand, or try to reach a little higher than our last star (3 min).
5. We look at the sky: we find each child's star and count how many stars we made together (2 min).

Rules

• One jumper at a time in front of the paper.
• Land with feet together and knees bent.
• The sponge goes on the paper and back to the tray, never into the air.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: put a sponge on a long stick so they can stamp from the wheelchair by reaching up.
• Autism: tape a spot on the ground for the jump and keep a fixed line order.
• Visual impairment: hang a bell on the paper that rings when touched to help them aim the jump.

Learning goals

• Jump upward using an arm swing.
• Coordinate the jump with the arm movement.
• Try to beat their own best without comparing to others.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Butcher paper roll: 1
• Large sponges: 12
• Washable paint: 3
• Trays: 4
• Masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Use large sponges, cut into stars if you can; small ones can be chewed or swallowed. Keep the landing area clear and make sure the ground isn't slick with paint.

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