Benefiting cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and coordination, jumping rope is an ideal physical education activity. Jump rope is an inexpensive exercise that all ages can learn, either on the playground or inside the gymnasium. Teaching different jump rope activities may also help students in the classroom, as the rhythmic aspects of jumping rope can improve reading skills, the American Heart Association says.
Relays
For students who aren't crazy about jumping rope, a relay can keep them interested in the activity by incorporating other sports. Mark a starting and ending point, and fill the space between with different tasks each student must complete. Break students into teams. On the basketball court, you could have each student start from one end of the court, jump rope to the 3-point line, attempt the basketball shot, then jump rope to half-court and do five push-ups and sit-ups before jumping back to the starting point. The student can't move on until he sinks his shot and completes the necessary tasks. You could incorporate soccer balls, hoops and even footballs in the relays.
Skills
The American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart program suggests P.E. teachers challenge their students with jump rope skills. Students can learn single-rope skills, such as the forward straddle, backward jump and the 360-degree turn. With a partner, the students can jump in a single rope together, learning to coordinate their rhythms. For a group activity, teach long-rope skills -- including entering and exiting the rope while it's turning -- entering with gymnastics skills, turning around in the rope and following song commands. With two long ropes, you can teach double dutch.
Races
See who can jump and travel the farthest with jump-rope races. Students can race from one point to another, jumping the whole way. Break the class into partners for speed jumping contests. One partner counts the jumps; the other partner jumps as fast as she can. Then the partners switch. You can also have endurance tests. See which students can jump in a certain skill the longest without making a mistake. Challenge the students to jump with the rope crisscross. Once a student makes a mistake, she's out, and the last student jumping wins the game.
Basics
Although most students already know how to jump rope, they may not know the proper technique. When jumping rope, keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight while you look straight ahead. Jump low with your feet together, and land on the balls of your feet. Correct students if they hunch over when jumping or bring their knees too high.
References
- American Heart Association: Jumping Rope May Be an Ideal Brain Exercise
- PE Universe: Jump Rope
- HotChalk LessonPlansPage: Kyle's PE Lesson
- American Heart Association: Jump Rope Skills
- American Council on Exercise: Jumping Rope: Not Just for Kids Anymore
- American Heart Association: Why Is Exercise Good For Your Heart? Lesson Idea
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