Jump the Growing Creek

Two ropes on the ground form a creek that starts narrow and widens in a V shape. Each student finds the widest point they can jump and tries to beat it, working on the horizontal jump with two-foot and one-foot takeoffs.

How to play

1. Set up 5 V-shaped creeks with two ropes each: at one end the ropes almost touch and at the other they are about 4 feet apart; mark three width zones with cones.
2. Make 5 groups of 5, one per creek. Teach the two-foot jump with arms swinging back and a bent-knee landing (2 min).
3. Each student jumps at the narrow end and moves toward the wide end after each successful jump; landing in the water means stepping back one spot (4 min).
4. Each student marks a personal record with a small cone and tries to beat it in 3 attempts (3 min).
5. Repeat with a 3-step run-up and a one-foot takeoff (4 min); compare with the two-foot record.
6. Wrap-up (1 min): which jump went farther and why?

Rules

• Jump one at a time; the next student waits until the jumper is out of the creek.
• Land with both knees bent and without twisting.
• Fix the ropes if they move before jumping.
• Everyone competes against their own record, not against classmates.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cross the creek in a wheelchair over bridges of different widths, or toss a beanbag to the other side, farther each time.
• Visual impairment: thick ropes that can be felt with the foot and a buddy who claps to show the width.
• Fitness level: each student chooses a starting zone based on confidence.

Learning goals

• Improve the horizontal jump with a two-foot takeoff.
• Coordinate a short run-up with a one-foot takeoff.
• Set personal improvement goals.

Equipment for a class of 25

• ropes: 10
• cones: 15

Teacher tip

Avoid slippery surfaces and landings on ropes: students jump across the creek, never along it. Praise personal improvement, not the longest jump.

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