Sleepy Ropes Wake Up
The ropes are asleep, stretched out all over the playground; children run between them and, when the drum stops, find one and do what the teacher says: jump over it, walk around it, or lie down next to it. Kids warm up their whole body and practice finding their way around the space.
How to play
- The teacher lays the ropes out on the ground and explains they are sleeping, so we don't step on them (1 min).
- With the drum, we run between the ropes without stepping on them; when it stops, everyone finds a rope and jumps over it from side to side (1 min).
- We keep running; when the drum stops, we tiptoe all the way around our rope (1 min).
- When the drum stops, we lie down next to our rope, stretched out as long as it is (1 min).
- We mix all three: the teacher calls out "Jump!", "Around!" or "Lie down!" (1 min).
- Wake-up time: everyone picks up a rope, wiggles it like a little snake and puts it back in the box (1 min).
Rules
- The ropes are sleeping, so I run without stepping on them.
- When the drum stops, I find a free rope or share one.
- I jump with both feet together.
- I look where I'm going so I don't bump into anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use just two calls (jump and lie down) and the teacher does them along with the kids.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all three calls, first one at a time and then mixed.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add "Hop on one foot!" and "Jump backward!" and give the calls with a hand signal only.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: instead of jumping, the child wheels or walks with a walker along the rope and goes around it.
- Hearing impairment: pair the drum with a raised arm for "stop" and a hand sign for each call.
- Autism: preview the three calls with picture cards and give the child a rope of a fixed color as their spot.
Learning goals
- Run through the space while avoiding objects on the ground.
- React to a sound signal by stopping in time.
- Relate their body to the rope: on, around, beside.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Jump ropes: 25
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Spread the ropes out well before the kids come outside so they don't get tangled. The usual mistake is everyone rushing to the same rope; say "find the one closest to you."
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