Open and Close Hoop Path

Hoops on the ground make a path where sometimes there's one hoop (feet together) and sometimes two side by side (feet apart). Children jump along, opening and closing their legs to match what they see.

How to play

1. Practice in place: "close" is feet together and "open" is feet apart, with a little jump (2 min).
2. Show the path: one hoop, close; two hoops side by side, open (2 min).
3. Travel the path one after another, saying out loud "close, open, close" (5 min).
4. Rearrange the hoops together and try the new path (3 min).
5. Finish with one big jump out of the last hoop and a ninja landing (2 min).

Rules

• One hoop: feet together. Two hoops: feet apart.
• I land inside the hoops, not on them.
• I start when the child ahead is three hoops along.
• If I make a mistake, I keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: follow a parallel path, touching one or two hoops with a hand as indicated.
• Visual impairment: brightly colored hoops, with an adult calling "open" or "close."
• Less skill: walk the path first, then try it jumping.

Learning goals

• Jump while opening and closing the legs.
• Read a path and adapt to it.
• Keep balance on landing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 15

Teacher tip

Make sure the hoops don't slide; on smooth floors, draw circles in chalk or use flat rubber rings instead. Say the words out loud with them—it helps coordination.

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