Hopscotch
Child tosses a marker and hops the numbered squares, a classic of balance and number sequence.
- Age4 to 8 years
- Time15 to 30 minutes
- EnergyActive
- CostFree
- WhereIndoors or out
- Prep5 min
A hopping game on a numbered grid where the child tosses a marker onto a square, then hops up and back skipping that square. Practises balance and hopping in number order.
How to do it
- Draw or lay out a hopscotch grid of numbered squares, some single and some side by side, on the ground.
- The player tosses a small marker so it lands on the first square.
- They hop through the grid in order, on one foot for single squares and two feet for side-by-side squares, skipping the square the marker is on.
- At the top they turn around and hop back, pausing to pick up the marker on the way.
- If they finish cleanly, they toss to the next number; a miss or a wobble passes the turn to the next player.
What you need
- Chalk or tape
- Marker
- Space
Signs it is working
Your child tosses the marker onto or near the target square and hops through the grid in order. They balance on one foot for single squares. They take turns and try again after a miss.
If it is not quite clicking
Balancing on one foot is hard: Let your child hop on two feet throughout or hold your hand for the tricky squares. The toss keeps missing: Stand closer and aim for lower numbers first. They lose interest in the rules: Let them just hop the grid for fun without the marker.
Make it yours
Younger, 4 years: Use a short grid of three or four squares, allow two-footed hops, and skip the marker toss at first. Older, 6-8 years: Use the full grid, add the marker toss to higher numbers, and add a no-line-touching rule. Group: Players take turns and each work up through the numbers on their own turns.
Try this with your child.
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