Sidewalk Stencils
Jump the Distance
Children pretend they are jumping over a brook or small stream. The lines start close together, (about one foot apart) and they get wider (about three feet) on the opposite end so they can practice various distances.
Leaping Lizards
Children are learning to leap, which is a transfer of weight from one foot to the other in a forward motion. Both feet are off the ground in the transfer. Starting at the narrow end, have children leap over the brook as they work themselves down to the wider end of the brook. Have children pretend that they are trying not to get wet.
Long Jump
Instead of leaping over the brook, have children jump with 2 feet back and forth down the length of the stream as it gets wider and wider.
Make a Bridge
Children will start at the narrow end, bending over with feet on one line and hands on the other line. They will then side step to the wider end, keeping hands and feet on the line. For an extra challenge, have the child balance a beanbag on their back.
Cross the Line
Only one line is needed per child. Any line can be used for this activity. Have children straddle the line with right foot on right side and left foot on left. As they walk the length of the line, have the child cross the right foot over the line to the left and then cross the left foot to the right side of the line.
Spelling Jump • 2+ Players
This game works best with someone calling out words or letters for the players. One person can play by calling out their own words or name.
- The caller says a word or name. Players jump or hop from letter to letter, spelling out the word.
- Another word is called out and players jump again.
- If there are several players, they may need to take turns jumping.
Letter Call Out • 2+ Players
This game works best with someone calling out letters for the players. One person can play by calling out their own letter and balancing for several seconds before deciding on a new letter.
- The caller says a letter. Players jump or hop to the letter, balancing on one foot until the next letter is called.
- Another letter is called out and players jump again
- If there are several players, they may need to take turns jumping, with each player staying on their letter until it is their turn again.
Jump the Alphabet • 1+ Players
- Players start on A and jump or hop from letter to letter as they go through the alphabet.
- Players call out the letter or the sound the letter makes before moving to the next letter.
Beanbag Toss • 1+ Players
- Players start wherever they would like on the alphabet.
- Player one tosses a beanbag or small stone onto another letter. They say the letter name and sound, then hop to that letter.
- Players repeat this, moving around the alphabet until they have named all the letters.
Dribbling the Alphabet • 1+ Players
- Players dribble a ball along the alphabet, trying the bounce the ball on as many letters as they can.
A to Z • 2+ Players
This game works best with someone calling out actions for the players. One person can play by deciding their own actions for each letter.
- Players move along the alphabet path (walk, hop, skip, etc.) saying each letter as they land on it. The can also say the sound each letter makes.
- For each letter, the callers says a different action. For example:
- Jump high
- Stomp loud
- Balance on one foot
- Make yourself big
- Make yourself small
- Touch your toes
