Keep the Hoop Pattern Going
The teacher starts a hoop path with a color pattern (red, blue, red, blue…), children continue it by placing hoops, and then they jump along it with a different jump for each color. It works on patterns, order and jumping.
How to play
- Show the two hoop colors and their jumps: red means feet together inside; blue means feet apart, outside the hoop (2 min).
- The teacher lays the first three hoops: red, blue, red. What comes next? Children take turns placing the next ones (2 min).
- Jump along the path, each hoop with its jump, one after another (3 min).
- New pattern: red, red, blue… and continue it together (2 min).
- Jump the new pattern, then do it faster (2 min).
- Pick up the hoops by color, all the reds first, then the blues (1 min).
Rules
- I place the hoop color that comes next in the pattern.
- I jump when the child ahead has left the hoop.
- If I do the wrong jump, I keep going.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a simple red-blue pattern and the same jump in every hoop; only the word we say changes.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, a simple pattern with two different jumps.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, three-part patterns (red, red, blue) and a third jump with a third color if you have hoops.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: travels along the side touching each hoop with a hand or wheel and saying the color.
- Visual impairment: high-contrast hoop colors and a texture difference (tape on one color).
- Lower skill: space the hoops farther apart or let them walk instead of jumping.
Learning goals
- Continue a color pattern.
- Match each color to a type of jump.
- Jump with control along a path.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops in two colors: 20
Teacher tip
Use a non-slip surface or tape the hoops down so they don't slide when stepped on. Kids often place hoops without checking the pattern, so say “red, blue, red…” out loud before each turn.
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