Switch Feet at Every Lamppost

Cones scattered around the playground are lampposts: children hop on one foot and switch feet every time they reach one. It works on hopping, alternating right and left, and warms up legs and ankles.

How to play

1. Stroll down the playground street, waving at every lamppost (cone) (1 min).
2. Walk, and when you reach a lamppost, circle it with little two-foot jumps (1 min).
3. Hop on one foot from one lamppost to the next; when you touch a lamppost, switch feet (2 min).
4. If I get tired, I walk to the next lamppost and start again there on the other foot (1 min).
5. Walk back and shake out our legs like wet puppies (1 min).

Rules

• Touch the lamppost, switch feet.
• If I get tired, I walk a bit and keep going.
• No pushing on the street.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less balance: hop while holding hands with a classmate walking alongside.
• Limited mobility: roll from lamppost to lamppost and raise one arm, then the other, at each one.
• Visual impairment: a buddy guides them and calls out "lamppost!".

Learning goals

• Hop on each foot.
• Switch feet in response to a cue in the space.
• Warm up legs and ankles before the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Space the cones about 13 to 16 feet apart; any farther and the hopping drags on forever. Notice who always starts on the same foot and encourage them to start on the other one.

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