Presented by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
Written by: Val Drapeau
Education Coordinator
Materials
Sidewalk Chalk
Outdoor Play Space
At least 2 players (it can be any number of children/adults above two as well)
Length:
Set up: 10 minutes
Play Length: Endless!
Academic Subject:
Physical Education
This lesson supports areas of Early Childhood Development and K – 8 Curriculum: Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Directions:
Step 1: Draw large connecting circles with sidewalk chalk on an appropriate outdoor surface (example: your driveway) in a pattern that resembles a wiggly caterpillar. Did you know that drawing circles is a wonderful way for kids to practice their fine motor skills? If there are only 2 players, draw between 14 – 20 circles. For teams of 2 or more draw about 30 circles total. Remember to make an even number of total circles so it’s fair hopping towards the middle. Some kids hop faster than others!
Step 2: Review the rules of the Rock, Paper, Scissors game with all of the players.
Step 3: Have 1 player (or each team) start from opposite ends of the circle game board. Get ready to start hopping!
Step 4: On “Go!” 1 player/or the first player from each team hops from circle to circle until they reach their opponent anywhere on the circle game board (it won’t necessarily be in the middle). Did you know that hopping and jumping require strong gross motor skills,balance and coordination?
Step 5: Players do rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors until one player wins one round. The winning player of that round continues to hop forward to the opponents’ side; the player that didn’t win that round runs back to their starting side to tag their next teammate or to start from the beginning again (if they are the only player). The player that didn’t win the round would then begin hopping toward their opponent again for the next round of Rock, Paper, Scissors (unless the winning opponent reaches the other side first…then that game of Hoop Hop is over). The player/team that reaches their opponents’ side wins that game of Hoop Hop! Kids will be having so much fun playing the game, they won’t even realize the gross motor skills that they are practicing and the wonderful exercise they are getting too! Enjoy this game on a fun sunny day!
Vocabulary Words
· Gross Motor Skill – Skills that are involved in movement and coordination of the arms, legs, and other large body parts and movements.
· Fine Motor Skill – Skills that require greatercontrol of the smallmuscles than largeones, especially forhand-eye coordination or for precise handand finger movement.
· Even number – A whole number that is able to be divided by two into two equal whole numbers. The numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are even numbers for example.
· Balance – An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
· Coordination – The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.
