Tom Thumb's Seven-League Boots

Wearing Tom Thumb's magic boots, children cross seven rope rivers with big strides and two-footed jumps. It builds broad jumping, longer steps and choosing their own level of challenge.

How to play

1. The teacher tells how Tom Thumb put on magic boots that took giant steps. Lay seven ropes parallel on the ground: they are seven rivers the boots must cross (2 min).
2. Put on the magic boots (tie imaginary laces) and cross the rivers with huge strides, without touching the water (3 min).
3. Now cross each river with a two-footed jump, counting out loud “one league, two leagues…” up to seven (4 min).
4. The teacher spreads some ropes apart: there are narrow rivers and wide rivers. Each child chooses where to jump: the easy zone or the giant zone, marked with cones (3 min).
5. Arrive at Tom Thumb's house, take off the boots and walk with tiny pretend-barefoot steps (2 min).

Rules

• We all jump the same direction, one behind another with space.
• If I step in the river, no problem: I dry my feet and keep going.
• Each child picks their own jumping zone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cross the rivers by rolling the wheelchair or pushing with the arms; ropes form wide lanes.
• Visual impairment: use thick ropes that can be felt underfoot and a buddy who counts the rivers out loud.
• Less confident movers: a zone with ropes very close together and an adult's hand for the jump.

Learning goals

• Jump forward with both feet.
• Lengthen strides and jumps.
• Choose a challenge that fits their ability.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Jump ropes: 7
• Cones: 4

Teacher tip

Watch how they land more than how far they go: knees bent and quiet feet. Keep the ropes pulled straight on the ground so no one gets tangled.

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