Puddle Jumping to the Beat
Children travel along paths of hoops like puddles, jumping from one to the next on each beat of the hand drum, sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Children practice coordinating jumps with an outside beat.
How to play
- Lay out three or four paths of hoops on the ground and each group lines up at the start of one (2 min).
- Slow beats: jump with feet together from puddle to puddle, one jump per beat, waiting for the next (3 min).
- Faster beats: jump from puddle to puddle without stopping, as fast as the drum (2 min).
- Mix it up: the teacher changes speed halfway down the path and the jumps change too; when it goes silent, stay inside the puddle (3 min).
- Calm finish: walk alongside the hoops stepping softly, one step per slow beat (2 min).
Rules
- One jump on each beat.
- If the drum stops, I stay inside my puddle.
- I wait until the friend in front gets out of the puddle.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher says "Splash!" with each beat and children may walk instead of jump.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, jump with feet together and include tempo changes.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, switch between hopping on one foot and jumping with two feet depending on soft or loud beats.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: children who can't jump walk or roll through the hoops, entering each one on the beat.
- Visual impairment: use hoops that contrast with the ground and a helper who holds their hand.
- Less skilled children: place the hoops closer together on that child's path.
Learning goals
- Coordinate jumping with a beat.
- Adjust jumping speed to the tempo.
- Control landing and balance when stopping.
Equipment for a class of 25
- aros: 20
- pandero
Teacher tip
Keep paths well apart and send the next child when the one ahead reaches the third hoop. Use flat or secured hoops so they don't slide on landing.
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