Bet you didn’t know you were giving your heart a workout when you spent all those long summer evenings outside jumping rope, did you? And you certainly didn’t think about improving your coordination and balance. But that’s what generations of girls – and some boys – got from this playground staple.
It’s time to revive a classic.
The right fit
To making sure a jump rope is the right size for your child, have her lay the rope out in a straight line and then step with one foot on the middle. With one handle in each hand, she should stand slowly, pulling the rope up until the handles reach her shoulders. If the rope reaches all the way and is taut, it’s the right length.
Getting started
Basic single and double bounce One jump per swing of the rope. For double, two jumps per swing of the rope.
Single side swing With both hands together, swing the rope from one side to the other. Open hands and swing down to return to basic jumping.
Skier Like a downhill skier, jump side to side while swinging the rope.
As a team
With a turner on each end, jumping rope becomes a group activity. See if you can remember any classic jump rope rhymes from your childhood, like these.
Cinderella
Cinderella, dressed in yellow,
Went upstairs to kiss her fellow.
Made a mistake, kissed a snake,
How many doctors will it take?
1, 2, 3. . .
Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, show your shoe
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, that will do!
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, go upstairs
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say your prayers
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn out the lights
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say good-night!
(Jumper acts out directions while jumping.)
Vegetable Soup
A, B, C and vegetable goop.
What will I find in my alphabet soup?
A, B, C. . . . . . . .
(Jumper picks an ingredient starting with the letter they missed on.)
