Kangaroo Hopping

Learning Outcomes

Develop balance while hopping on two feet.

Improve lower-body strength and coordination.

Enhance rhythmic movement and body control.

Follow movement instructions and maintain spatial awareness.

Description Of Activity

1. Introduction Become a Kangaroo!

Tell children:
Stand tall, hands in front like a kangaroo, and hop with both feet together!

Show how kangaroos keep their feet together.

Practice small hops to get comfortable.

2. Kangaroo Hop Path

Arrange cones or hoops in a straight line or zig-zag pattern.

Children hop like kangaroos from one marker to the next.

Emphasize soft landings and keeping feet together.

3. Kangaroo Race (Non-competitive)

Children line up behind a start cone.

On Go!, they hop to the finish line like kangaroos.

Focus on steady hopping rather than speed.

4. Kangaroo Carry Challenge (Optional)

Place a beanbag between their knees or on their head.

Children hop and try not to drop the beanbag.

Great for balance and coordination.

Safety Tips:

Ensure enough space between children.

Use soft markers and avoid slippery surfaces.

Remind children to keep knees slightly bent for safe landings.

Variations

Backward Kangaroo: Small backward hops.

Kangaroo Freeze: Hop until the whistle, then freeze like a statue.

Kangaroo Over Rocks: Place small soft obstacles for students to hop over.

Kangaroo in the Forest: Create narrow “paths” (cones) they must stay inside.

Coaching Tips

“Feet together!”

“Soft landing!”

“Look forward, not down!”

“Hop like a real kangaroo—light and steady!”

Equipment/Material Required

Cones or markers

Hoops (optional)

Small beanbags (optional)

Open space