Hopping Far and High

Learning Outcomes

Students will practice hopping for distance and height.
Students will demonstrate spatial awareness and control over their bodies.
Students will follow instructions and participate cooperatively.

Description Of Activity

Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Lead students in basic jumping jacks, arm circles, and high knees to get their bodies warm.

Activity 1: Hopping Explorers!

Hopping Path:
Mark a starting line using cones or masking tape.
Place cones or hula hoops spaced progressively further apart (start close and increase distance as students improve).
This is the hopping path for distance practice.

Hopping Targets:
Place hula hoops scattered around the remaining play area.
These are the hopping targets for height practice.

Activity 2: Distance Hopping:
Explain that students will be explorers hopping across stepping stones (cones) to reach a hidden treasure (designated spot at the end of the path).
Demonstrate hopping with good form (bent knees, arms swinging).
Have students take turns hopping across the path, encouraging them to reach further with each hop.
Modify the distance between the cones as needed based on student ability.

Height Hopping:
Explain that students will now be explorers reaching for fruit in the jungle (hula hoop targets).
Demonstrate a single-leg hop with arms reaching high.
Have students practice single-leg hops (alternate legs) aiming to touch the beanbags placed inside the hula hoops.
Encourage students to try and hop higher with each attempt.

Cool-Down (5 minutes):
Lead students in gentle stretches focusing on legs and arms.

Differentiation:
For students who need more support, allow them to hop with two feet together or hold onto a partner for balance.
For advanced students, increase the distance between cones or challenge them to complete the hopping path faster.

Safety Considerations:
Ensure the play area is free of obstacles.
Remind students to keep a safe distance from each other while hopping.
Encourage proper hopping form to avoid injuries.

Variations

Beanbag Toss: Place beanbags at the starting line. Students hop across the path, pick up a beanbag, and toss it into a designated bin at the end.
Partner Hop: Divide students into pairs. They hop across the path together, holding hands or linked at the elbows.

Equipment/Material Required

Cones (4-6)
Hula hoops (4-6)
Beanbags (enough for half the class)
Masking tape (optional)