Shape Jumps: Rocket, Star or Clap

From the low bench, kids jump onto the mat making a shape of their choice in the air (rocket, star or clap) and land like cats, knees bent. It builds jumping from a small height, safe landings and confidence in their own body.

How to play

1. The teacher lays each bench flat with two mats pushed together in front and a hoop on top to show where to land (2 min).
2. We practice the cat landing on the floor: feet together, knees bent, hands in front, no noise (2 min).
3. We step onto the bench, stand at the edge with toes over and jump into the hoop with a cat landing (3 min).
4. We learn the shapes: rocket (arms up), star (arms and legs wide) and clap (one clap in the air) (3 min).
5. Everyone chooses a shape before jumping and says it out loud; the others copy it from the line (3 min).

Rules

• We jump when the mat is empty.
• We always land on our feet with bent knees.
• After jumping, we step off to the side and go back to the line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make the shape with the arms while sitting on the bench, then slide down onto the mat with an adult.
• Autism: let them jump last and repeat their favorite shape as often as they like.
• Hearing impairment: show the shapes with picture cards the child points to before jumping.

Learning goals

• Jump off a small height with both feet.
• Land safely, cushioning with the legs.
• Build confidence by choosing and showing their own jump.

Equipment for a class of 25

• banco sueco: 2
• colchonetas: 4
• aros: 2

Teacher tip

Keep an adult beside the mat, to the side, ready to offer a hand. Make sure everyone has the cat landing down before adding shapes: that's what keeps them safe.

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