Skydivers off the Step

Kids stand on a low step, spread their arms like skydivers and jump onto a mat, landing inside a hoop with bent knees. It practices landing safely from a small height.

How to play

1. The teacher sets several low steps next to mats with a hoop on each (2 min).
2. We practice landing from the floor: little hop, feet together, knees bent, hands forward (2 min).
3. We step up, count "Three, two, one, parachute!" and jump into the hoop (5 min).
4. We try landing like different animals: frog, cat, bird (3 min).
5. Skydivers pack their parachutes: we sit and breathe (2 min).

Rules

• I check the mat is clear before I jump.
• I land on both feet and bend my knees.
• I jump forward, never backward.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: "lands" by scooting off the step to the floor with help.
• Visual impairment: the adult holds their hand and counts out loud.
• Autism: the countdown is always the same and the child can say it.

Learning goals

• Jump down safely from a small height.
• Absorb the landing by bending the legs.
• Manage the excitement of jumping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• steps bajos: 5
• colchonetas: 5
• aros: 5

Teacher tip

Steps 6–8 inches high at most: the point is landing well, not height. The usual mistake is landing stiff-legged; really exaggerate the knee "spring" yourself.

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