1, 2, 3, Jump!

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Age
0-2 years
Child Development
Physical health and well-being; language development; numeracy.
Equipment
Some form of elevated surface (e.g. a single step)
Blue mat or sheet (optional)
Physical Activity

This activity aims to develop the fundamental movement skills of jumping (coordination), and balance.

How to Play

If you have a blue mat or sheet, place it below the step to represent a lake or puddle.

1. Stand or kneel on the floor and hold hands with the child (who is on the first step or any elevated surface).

2. Read the action rhyme “Jump” to the child (below)

3. After you say “1-2-3 jump,” the child can jump down from the step — knees should be bent at the start of the jump and on the landing.

4. After jumping down into the “lake”, pretend you are swimming — move your arms in forward circles.

Rhyme:

JUMP

Jumping, jumping 1-2-3, (adult/caregiver can show fingers to count)

Don’t forget to bend your knees.

Jumping, jumping 1-2-3,

You can do it, now let’s see!

1-2-3 JUMP! (toddler jumps from the step)

Change it up / Alternatives / Additional Options
  • To play with a larger group, set up other obstacles the children can move around, before coming back to the step to jump.
  • For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, act out the actions with the child or provide pictures or signals for when they should jump.
  • For children with impairments in flexibility or gross motor skills that would limit jumping off the step, go through the same actions on the floor, or use a trampoline to aid bouncing.
  • If you have a participant who uses a wheelchair, think of ways that the child can perform similar actions (depending on function), such as
    • Pushing up so their bum comes off seat
    • Backwards wheeling
    • Wheeling with alternating arms (one arm at a time)
    • Pivots  - stationary but pushing forward with one hand and pulling back with the other
    • Driving forward and stopping on command
    • Wheeling forward and pulling back to stop
  • For a child with a visual impairment, hold their hands while jumping down off the step until they become comfortable with the distance and feeling of the game.
  • If you have a child with another type of disability not mentioned above, they may be able to participate in this activity without adaptations or modifications.

Source - MOVE