Chalk Line Jumps

This activity is super simple to set up and is a great way to practice those jumping skills.
Draw a series of lines on the pavement at varying distances from each other (30cm to 1 metre). Have lines orientated in all different directions. Can also be played inside with tape instead of chalk.
Step 1
- Have your child choose a line to start from
Step 2
- You can call out where your child must jump to next, or have them choose
- For example: “Jump towards me/Jump towards the sandpit/Jump to your left”
Step 3
- Give enough time to jump to a line in the given direction, then call out a new command
- You can gradually get faster and faster, and finish the activity when your child can no longer keep up, or gets confused (whilst giggling, of course!)
- Make the distances between lines shorter
- Call out instructions faster and faster to challenge your child
- Increase the distances between lines
Before beginning the activity, teach your child how to jump using the cues:
1. Land like you are riding a motorbike – arms forward, ankles, knees and hips bent, feet apart
2. Start with your arms stretched behind you like a superhero
3. Swing & Spring
4. Reach for a star and bring it down again (for vertical jumps)
- Make the last few, fast commands silly commands - such as “Jump to the moon or jump towards the clouds”
- Jump to music!