Sidewalk-Chalk Hopscotch

Draw several simple hopscotch courts in chalk, and children travel them their own way: feet together, open-and-close, or on one foot. They practice jumping, balance, and a classic street game played in Spain and around the world.

How to play

1. The teacher explains that hopscotch is a game people have played forever and draws a sample with big boxes (2 min).
2. Together, draw several courts so we can play in small groups (3 min).
3. First round: travel the court with feet together, box by box, and come back (3 min).
4. Second round: toss the beanbag into a box and jump over that box (4 min).
5. The older kids try hopping on one foot in the single boxes (2 min).
6. Put the beanbags away and admire all the courts (1 min).

Rules

• I wait for my turn behind the line.
• I try not to step on the lines.
• If I step on one, I laugh and keep going.
• Everyone picks up their own beanbag.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child tosses the beanbag and points to or touches each box along the court.
• Visual impairment: big boxes drawn with thick colored chalk and a buddy calling out the numbers.
• Autism: a court just for them at first, drawn in their favorite color.

Learning goals

• Jump with feet together and on one foot.
• Take turns in small groups.
• Learn a traditional game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sidewalk chalk: 6
• beanbags: 6

Teacher tip

Make the boxes bigger than a regular court (about one long adult step). Keep 4–5 kids per court so waiting time stays short.

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