The River That Opens Like Scissors

Two long ropes on the ground form a V-shaped river: narrow at one end and wide at the other; each child chooses where to jump across and little by little tries the wider part. Kids practice jumping forward and choosing a challenge that's right for them.

How to play

1. The teacher lays two ropes together at one end and apart at the other, like open scissors, and explains it's a river (1 min).
2. We cross the narrow part with one little step and walk back around the outside (2 min).
3. We jump with feet together wherever each of us chooses (3 min).
4. We try jumping a little farther down, where the river is wider (3 min).
5. We set up two or three rivers and everyone crosses them all, choosing their spot (3 min).

Rules

• I choose where to jump: what matters is landing on the bank.
• I jump with both feet and land with soft knees.
• If I land in the water, I laugh and step onto the bank.
• I wait for the friend ahead to get out of the river.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child crosses on a bridge (a stretch with no ropes) in their wheelchair or walker and tosses a beanbag from bank to bank.
• Visual impairment: use thick ropes they can feel underfoot and a classmate who claps from the other bank.
• More or less skilled: each child has their own chalk mark and moves it when they feel confident.

Learning goals

• Jump forward with both feet.
• Choose a challenge that fits their ability.
• Land balanced, cushioning with their legs.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long ropes: 6

Teacher tip

Grass or a soft surface works better than concrete. Don't compare kids' jumps; compare each child to themselves ("Before you jumped here, now here!").

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