Jumping and Dancing with Music

Learning Outcomes

Develop locomotor skills: jumping, hopping, skipping
Improve gross motor coordination
Follow rhythm and change movement with music cues
Work cooperatively with classmates

Description Of Activity

Open Space: Clear a large open space in the gym or playground for students to move freely.
Jumping Stations: Place cones in a scattered pattern throughout the open space. These will be jumping stations.
Hoop City: Arrange hoops in a designated area. This will be Hoop City, a space for creative movement and dancing. (Optional: Scatter beanbags around Hoop City)
Warm-up :
Play upbeat music. Lead students in simple movements like marching, jumping jacks, arm circles, and high knees.
Jumping Fun:
Animal Jumps: Explain that students will travel around the open space pretending to be different animals. When the music plays, they will jump from cone to cone like a bunny, hop on one leg like a kangaroo, or take giant leaps like a frog. Change the animal with each music pause. (Optional: Have students hold colorful scarves and wave them while jumping)
High Jumps: Play music with a strong beat. Students stand next to a cone and jump as high as they can when they hear a specific sound in the music (e.g., a change in instrument or a drumbeat).

Hoop City:
Free Dance: Play upbeat music. Students explore Hoop City, moving freely and creatively within the designated area. Encourage them to jump through hoops, twirl around them, or use beanbags for creative dance props.
Freeze Dance: Throughout the music, pause the music at random intervals. Students must freeze in their current position when the music stops. Play again and continue until the end of the song.

Cool-down (5 minutes):
Play calming music. Lead students in gentle stretches like arm raises, torso twists, and leg swings.

Adaptations:
For younger students (Grade 1), simplify the jumping patterns and animal movements.
For older students (Grade 2), add challenges like jumping over cones or hopping on two legs for a longer duration.
Modify the activity for students with physical limitations.

Safety Tips:
Ensure enough space between students while jumping.
Instruct students to land softly on their toes when jumping.
Provide opportunities for students to rest if needed.

Fun with Music:
Choose music with variations in tempo and rhythm to keep students engaged.
Encourage students to express themselves through their movements.

Equipment/Material Required

Music player with a variety of upbeat music
Scarves (different colors for added fun) (optional)
Cones (4-6)
Hoops (4-6)
Beanbags (optional, 1 per student)