Puddle Jumping Partners
Hoops scattered on the floor are puddles, and partners holding hands stroll around and jump into them together when the teacher calls. Kids work on two-foot jumps, matching their rhythm with a partner, and teamwork in pairs.
How to play
- Scatter about 25 hoops on the floor with space between them. Kids pair up holding hands. Say: "It rained today and there are puddles everywhere. Let's go for a walk in our rain boots."
- Pairs walk between the puddles without stepping in. On "Puddle!", each pair finds a hoop and both jump in together with two feet, still holding hands. They count "one, two, THREE!" before jumping (3 minutes).
- "Big puddle!": two pairs join up and jump into one hoop or two hoops side by side. "Muddy puddle!": jump and keep feet stuck to the floor for five seconds (3 minutes).
- "Puddle path!": set out rows of hoops, and pairs jump from hoop to hoop holding hands to the end (3 minutes).
- Tambourine: switch partners. Let go, find a new partner, and keep playing (every 2–3 minutes).
- Finish with "The sun is out and the puddles are drying!" Pairs walk hand in hand picking up the hoops and stack them in the middle (1 minute).
Rules
- Jump at the same time without letting go.
- If a pair is already in a puddle, find another one.
- Land with bent knees and do not pull your partner.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, let them jump without a partner if it is hard, and walk from hoop to hoop.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, jump in pairs with two feet on a count of three.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, jump in pairs on one foot or skip a hoop on the path.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the partner pushes the wheelchair to the puddle and both splash with their arms.
- Visual impairment: the partner counts out loud and squeezes the child's hand on the jump.
- More skilled pairs jump with a half turn; less skilled pairs use big hoops close together.
Learning goals
- Jump with two feet into a marked space.
- Match their own rhythm to a partner's.
- Cooperate in pairs and switch partners easily.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 25
- tambourine: 1
Teacher tip
Outdoors, hoops work well on dry ground; on slippery surfaces, draw chalk puddles instead. Counting "one, two, THREE!" out loud helps pairs stay in sync.
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