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Jump Rope Rhymes

Child jumps rope to counting rhymes, combining rhythm, coordination, and number practice.

Cartoon illustration of a parent and child at home doing Jump Rope Rhymes.
  • Age6 to 8 years
  • Time15 to 30 minutes
  • EnergyVery active
  • CostLow cost
  • WhereIndoors or out
  • PrepNone

A skipping game where the child jumps a rope in time to simple counting rhymes, either turning their own rope or jumping one turned by others. Combines rhythmic jumping with counting along.

How to do it

  1. Choose a flat, clear space with enough room to swing the rope without hitting walls, furniture, or people.
  2. Start with the child turning and jumping their own rope, or have two people turn a longer rope while the child jumps in the middle.
  3. Add a simple counting rhyme, jumping once for each count or beat.
  4. Count the jumps together and see how far the child gets before a miss.
  5. Take turns turning and jumping, trying a new rhyme each round.

What you need

  • Skipping rope
  • Space
  • Extra turners

Make it yours

Younger, 6 years: Practise the jump rhythm without a rope, then jump a slowly swung long rope with no rhyme. Older, 7-8 years: Add faster rhymes, try jumping on one foot, or see how high a count they can reach. Group: Two turn while others line up to jump in and out on the beat.

Try this with your child.

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