The Stick River That Gets Wider

Pairs of sticks laid on the ground form several "rivers" of different widths, and children jump across with feet together, choosing which one to cross. It builds the standing broad jump, push-off, and controlled landings.

How to play

1. Together, lay the sticks in pairs on the ground to make rivers: some narrow, some wider (2 min).
2. Practice the frog jump: arms back, knees bent, push off! and land on both feet (2 min).
3. Jump across the narrow rivers one after another, like hopping over a forest creek (3 min).
4. Each child picks which river to jump; land inside and your feet got wet, so try again (4 min).
5. The teacher drops leaves into the rivers and we jump without touching the leafy water (3 min).
6. Walk along the top of all the sticks like tightrope walkers (2 min).

Rules

• I take off with both feet and land on both.
• I wait until the river is clear to jump.
• If I get wet, I laugh and try again.
• Sticks stay on the ground.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cross the rivers in a wheelchair or walker as if crossing a bridge, choosing how wide the bridge is.
• Visual impairment: mark the sticks with bright tape, and a buddy says "Now!" at the edge.
• More skilled: challenge the child to try the widest river using an arm swing for power.

Learning goals

• Jump with a two-foot push-off.
• Land balanced and with soft knees.
• Choose a challenge that fits you.

Equipment for a class of 25

• long sticks: 12
• dry leaves

Teacher tip

Sticks need to sit flat so they don't roll when stepped on; thick, straight branches without sticking-out knots work best. Space the rivers well apart so kids don't jump into each other.

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