Lilypads and Leapfrogs
Children jump/run/hop/leap from hoop to hoop trying to cross the river without the crocodile getting them.
Set up
Spread 10-15 hoops around a designated area. For younger children, keep hoops close together. Spread hoops further apart for older children.
*Note: you can use markers or chalk instead of hoops
How to play
Step 1
- When the educator says "go", one at a time, children begin jumping from lily pad to lily pad - crossing the river as frogs
Step 2
- When all the children have crossed, repeat! Try changing the locomotor skill, such as leaping, hopping, or even jumping backwards
Step 3
- Introduce new challenges with each round, e.g only jump in blue hoops
- The educator can become the crocodile that children need to avoid by not jumping in the water
Variations
Make it easier
- Place hoops closer together
Make it harder
- Spread hoops further apart
- Add in a crocodile to catch those who jump in the water
Activity information
Age: 2-3 years, 3-5 years
Participants: 1
+
Equipment: Hoops
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Skill teaching
Before starting the activity, practice swinging and springing. Try doing long jumps (for distance) and emphasise the swinging of the arms forward and upwards.
Remember the jumping teaching cues:
- Land like you are riding a motorbike – arms forward, ankles, knees and hips bent, feet apart
- Start with your arms stretched behind you like a superhero
- Swing & Spring
- Reach for a star and bring it down again (for vertical jumps)
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
- Let children make up their own commands