Three Jumps on the Mat, Then It's the Next Turn

At three stations, children jump from a low bench onto a mat; each child does three jumps while the waiting children count them out loud, then it's the next child's turn. It builds safe landings and accepting that a turn has an end.

How to play

1. Set up three stations: low bench with a mat in front and a cone for waiting. Have one adult per station or the teacher moving between them (2 min).
2. The teacher shows the jump: feet together at the edge, arms back, jump and land with bent knees 'like a spring' (2 min).
3. Each child climbs up and does three jumps (up, jump, back up) while those waiting at the cone count: 'One, two, three!' (4 min).
4. After the third jump, the jumper high-fives the next child and goes to the end of the line (2 min).
5. Change the jump: a quarter turn, a star shape or landing on your bottom on the mat (3 min).
6. Last turn: one jump only, your best one, with applause for everyone (1 min).

Rules

• I jump when the mat is empty.
• I do three jumps and then it's the next turn.
• While I wait, I count my friend's jumps out loud.
• When I'm done, I high-five the next friend.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their station is sliding from the bench to the mat while seated, or rolling with help.
• Autism: a visual counter of three clothespins on the cone shows how many jumps are left.
• Visual impairment: the adult says 'mat is clear' and the child feels the bench edge with their feet before jumping.

Learning goals

• Jump from a small height and land with bent knees.
• Respect a turn that has a set length.
• Support a classmate's turn by counting their jumps.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 3
• Low benches: 3
• Cones: 3

Teacher tip

Maximum height is a low gym bench, always with an adult beside it and a thick mat. Counting out loud is what makes the wait bearable: if they go quiet, count louder yourself.

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