Just Jump Gymnastics
Skill: Balance, Hop, Jump, Run
Time Required:
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs
Play area: Classroom (small indoor space), Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Check that furniture will not pose a hazard. Ensure that the floor is not slippery and is free of all obstacles. Remind participants to be cautious when moving and to be aware of the personal space of others.
Equipment: 4-8 balls
Audio equipment and music (optional)
Objective:
Participants follow the instructions given and be active.
Other Skills:
Coordination
Speed
Locomotor, stability, and manipulative skills
Step by Step:
Warm Up
1. In groups of 4–6, participants walk in place in a circle formation. Give each group a small ball.
2. When the music starts, participants continue to walk in place as they pass the ball around the circle.
3. Whenever the music stops, the participant holding the ball leads the group in warm-up movements that gradually increase in speed and intensity (e.g. walking in place, brisk walking, marching, dancing) and stretches that move the joints through their full range of motion (e.g. shoulder rolls, knee lifts, arm circles, hip circles).
Steps
Activity 1: Signal Warm-Up
1. Participants begin jogging on the spot.
2. Review activities verbally (and/or post activity charts) and demonstrate activities to show participants which activities correspond with the signals. The signal could be clapping of hands, holding up fingers, and so on.
Examples of signals
One clap: Jumping jacks
Two claps: Lunge steps using alternate legs
Three claps: Hop on two feet
Four claps: Tuck jumps
Five claps: Jogging on the spot
Use signals often to encourage continuous movement.
Activity 2: Just Jump
1. Participants begin jogging on the spot.
2. Call out a command based on jumping. Participants continue that type of jump until you call "jog on spot" and select a new type of jump. Repeat.
Suggested jumps
1. Foot take-off
2. Two-foot take-off with an arm swing (left or right)
3. Jump for height, doing explosive jumps using both arms driving up
4. Jump with a single leg kick
5. Jump with a double leg kick
6. Jump forward and backward; side to side
Cool Down
1. In groups of 4–6, participants walk in place in a circle formation. Give each group a small ball.
2. When the music starts, participants continue to walk in place as they pass the ball around the circle.
3. Whenever the music stops, the participant holding the ball leads the group in a cool-down stretch.
4. Encourage participants to stretch large muscle groups and to focus on slow movements.
Variations:
Remind participants to land on balls of feet with knees bent.
Use the commands "Pass" and "Freeze" if you aren't playing music during the warm-up and cool-down.
You could use a whistle when participating in a larger space.
For support documents, sample stretching routine, and additional ideas, visit www.ogf.com
Adaptations (General):
Try to ensure that activities are explained clearly in order that all participants can easily grasp key concepts. Remember that some movements, (e.g., dancing, some stretches, jumping, etc) may be new and challenging. It may be necessary to modify a number of the activities to the extent that the participant with a disability can safely complete them.
Sources: Ophea