Rope
Play
Rope play has a multitude of uses for
people of all ages and can be a great cardiovascular workout. For children,
you can integrate school readiness concepts very easily. Spelling words can
be practiced, math problems solved, and sing fun childhood chants while
jumping rope. Preschool-aged children can practice flat rope exploration
(ropes on the floor), whereas older children can develop jump roping skills
and tricks. It is recommended that young children use a four to seven foot
section of nylon rope (laundry rope, yarn, string) for flat rope play.
FLAT ROPE
EXPLORATION
How to
Play:
1. Practice
making shapes with the rope on the floor. Make geometric shapes (circle,
square, triangle, etc.), fruit or vegetable shapes, simple drawings like a
boat or a flower or a house. Use your imagination!
2. Write
your name with the rope. Practice writing letters and simple words with the
rope. Try to write a few words that rhyme (i.e., bat, cat, hat).
3. Write
some numbers. Add or subtract simple math equations. For older children
try multiplication or division problems.
4. Make
a pattern with the ropes, make it simple for young children or complex for
older ones. Example: circle, square, circle, square, etc.
5. Ropes
can be used to draw body parts (hand, arm, foot, toes, etc.). If you have
several ropes or a small group, work together and create a giant body.
6. Make
Rope Lines. Using several ropes, lay them in parallel lines 6-8 inches
apart. Then have a Conga Line as individuals walk sideways over each line
crossing each foot over each other. Increase the speed and the rhythm for
tons of fun!
FLAT ROPE
GAME
How to
Play:
1. Play
“Musical Ropes” with a few people. Make ropes into circles, well spaced
apart, and stand inside of them. On GO cue (or music turned on),
walk/skip/gallop around the area. On STOP cue (or music turned off) quickly
find a circle to stand in.
Variation:
Eliminate one rope, the person who does not find a rope in time can cue
everyone to GO or control the music for one turn. Never eliminate children
and have them wait, they love to move!
