Skipping
Stages of Development
Home video
Children are ready to be introduced to the skip by the end of Pre-Primary and should have mastered all aspects of the skip by the end of Year 3. Children should be able to hop, gallop and side-step first before learning skipping.
Teaching tips
- Step-hop, step-hop, step-hop
- Step forward and hop up
- Look ahead
Developing Skipping
through play
Skipping can appear quite intimidating for young children. At this stage encourage them to develop their confidence with hopping and galloping first. Once your child is ready to start skipping;
- Start in slow motion doing steps and then hops and gradually trying to join them together
- Be sure to model the movement for your child - do so slowly and with exaggerated movements
- Try encouraging step-hop movements to music or clapping
- Play games such as Musical Balances and Where's Red Riding Hood where children can have a go at skipping in a low pressure environment
As your child becomes comfortable with skipping, challenge them to;
- Start skipping at a faster speed
- Encourage changes of direction and speed
- Use skipping as their locomotor skill where they might normally run such as in simple tag games, like Octopus - this can help develop speed and powerful skipping
Once your child has mastered the skip, provide a skipping rope to allow them to continue to develop their skills;
- Have a go at skipping relays
- Play games such as Skip to My Lou or Jump Rope
Common errors
- Unable to perform step-hop alternately
- Arms not coordinated with legs
- Lack of rhythm
- Stiff legs on landing
