What’s Up PhysEd Friends!
If you’re anything like me before you started teaching you didn’t really know much about jumping rope.
To be honest, I didn’t know a single jump rope trick before I became a teacher. I would have never thought that I could spend 3-4 weeks teaching jump rope to students.
Now that I’ve been teaching a while, I always have way more activities and things that I wish I could teach my students than I have time for – and jump rope is no different.
I’ve learned that there are tons of different things you can with a jump rope. We can cover single tricks, partner tricks, team jump rope games and then there’s a whole host of “jumping” activities and games that you could bring in as well.
Why spend so much time on it?
Well because it’s a super low cost activity that you can pack up in your bag and take with you literally anywhere to have a “ready to go” activity that will give you exercise and is a fun way to stay healthy.
When planning my curriculum I usually try to plan my units and activities based on how likely I think my students are to use the content I’m teaching them outside of class. Of course, I reference standards and curriculum guidelines – but ultimately it comes down to how useful is it going to be for my students.
Ok, so now that you’re sold on how great jump rope is and why it might be a valuable things for your kids to learn, let’s get into it.
But First… Management
As you can see in the video above, I think that taking the time to teach your kids how to fold up ropes, turn them in and getting some good start stop procedures is super important for making the most of your time and avoiding a big knotted mess of jump ropes.
Also, jump rope carts are great – but I really prefer my door rack.
During COVID Times, I stole an idea from another smart teacher in my district and made a Wall Mounted jump rope rack out of a 1 x 6 and some cheap metal hooks and added all of my licorice ropes to it – it made it super easy to spray down equipment in between classes and allowed students to get their own ropes and put them back up without any issues of tangled jump ropes, check it out below:
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I liked having the kids manage their own ropes so much that I started using this rack with my K-2nd kids and then giving my 3rd – 5th graders the choice between a licorice rope from this rack or a beaded rope.
You could also use some garage storage hooks to hang the board on a rock wall mat instead of screwing it into the wall, which was a pretty great idea that I wish I had thought of – that way you can just pull it out whenever you’re using it (see below)
Thankful for my Eagle Scout who needs hrs for @LakeHighlandsHS NHS! Put him to work making 2 jump rope hangers for @MustangsMhe. Thanks @thepespecialist for the idea! Using big hooks to hang on mats so we can take them down when done. #mhepe #risdweareone #physed #4ranches1family pic.twitter.com/U7OlR1w5hZ
— Christina Fuller 🚲 (@TheCoachFuller) January 28, 2024
Another common questions is where to buy jump ropes that don’t break super easy – I’d recommend checking out EliteSRS.com (formerly BuyJumpRopes.net) they offer licorice ropes and also thicker plastic beads which should last longer. I really like the feel of the heavier beaded ropes that you can get on the custom ropes, but they are more expensive. Another company that I’ve heard good things about, but never actually purchased from is Kanga Ropes, (they offer affordable school kits with shatterproof beaded ropes) And lastly, I’ve also had www.jump-ropes.org/ recommended to me as a good place to get quality ropes and support a great cause as well (they are a Non-Profit)
What Size Should I Get?
Check the video above for an easy way to help your students figure out what a good size rope is for them. In my experience the estimate below works pretty well:
- K – 7 foot ropes
- 1st – 2nd – 7-8 foot ropes
- 3rd – 5th – 8 – 9 foot ropes
Every student is different, so ultimately I leave it up to them, but many times when I see a student struggling it’s because their rope is too short and when I give them a bigger rope they are more successful – so it’s something to keep an eye out for.
The trick for measuring your rope by standing on it and pulling the handles up to see if they reach your shoulders is a good rule of thumb.
Note: I also have 10 foot ropes for doing partner jumping or team rope jumping with my K-2 students. I use a 10 foot rope myself and sometimes have a couple 5th graders who are as tall as me and let them use a 10 ft rope as well if a 9 footer is too small for them
Let’s Start Planning!
I usually start planning by thinking about my Vertical Alignment – this is the concept of each instructional year leading to the next and then building on each other to work together to produce Physically Literate students by the time they leave your program. It helps me to check the SHAPE America Grade Level Outcomes for a basic idea of what students should be able to do based on their grade level.
For example, the jump rope skill GLO’s are summarized below:
- Kindergarten
- Can do a single jump over a self turned rope
- Can jump a long rope with a teacher turning
- First Grade
- Jumps forward and backward consecutively with a self turned rope
- Jumps a teacher turned long rope 5x consecutively
- Second Grade
- Jumps a self turned rope forward and backward consecutively
- Jumps a long rope turned by classmates 5x in a row
- Third Grade
- Performs intermediate jump rope skills
- Is able to run in and out of a long rope
- Fourth Grade
- Creates a jump rope routine with either a short or long rope
- Fifth Grade
- Creates a jump rope routine with a partner using a short or long rope
*Of course, these are just recommendations or guidelines, you can get creative and ultimately need to do what you think is best for your students. Hopefully you’re kids can exceed the GLO’s, but it gives you something to start with if you’re not familiar with what age appropriate expectations for your students might be.
How do you structure your Unit?
First of all – Kindergarten is a little off on their own since many of them are just learning to jump for the first time, so I do a basic lesson on jumping and turning the rope and then we spend the rest of the unit practicing in different stations. I also sprinkle in some hula hooping and hoop jumping to give them a little break from the jumping.
You can see the way I teach Kindergarten to jump rope in the lesson below:
After teaching them the basics we just rotate through different stations for the remainder of the unit to give them as much practice time as possible (this is really the main thing that will allow them to learn the skill)
When I am working with kids in station format I have more opportunities to get one on one with a student using the strategy you see in the video below:
This is great for a station activity or after you’ve given the whole class some instruction, but obviously you can’t do this with 25 kiddos at once, so you have to be smart about how you implement it, but I’ve found it to be a helpful exercise to go through with kids when learning for the first time.
The Power of Yet
Another important thing for littles learning something new (and anyone really) is to teach them The Power of Yet!
Some station examples (Good for K and 1st Grade):
- Jump with the rope on the ground
- Practice your turn with the handles in one hand
- Practice your “Turn and Jump”
- Practice your “Turn and Jump” backwards
- Practice jumping with the “Thunderstick Challenge” see video later in this post
- Practice Hula Hooping
- Practice Hula Jumping
- Practice jumping with the game “Snake”
- Tie a long rope to a bench/chair and have a student shake it back and forth while the others try to jump over it – if you touch the snake or fall down you take a turn shaking the snake
Week 1 – Single Tricks
Before getting into instruction, I like to connect and inspire my students by showing them an amazing video related to the unit This Playlist Has Some Jumprope Examples – I really like This One because of the positive message.
With my 1st – 5th students I spend the first week going over different jump rope tricks. I use the framework of Basic, Intermediate and Advanced as you can see explained in the overview video below:
Like I said in the video, this is a great framework – but it’s important to remember that all of your students will be on different levels, so don’t expect perfection – just have fun 🙂
The favorite student trick on the Intermediate wall is definitely the Criss Cross!
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One of my students favorite tricks once they get to 4th and 5th is the Cowboy 🤠 (see below)
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I also use my Animated GIF and Follow the Leader Videos during week 1 to help give students visuals of the tricks.
P.S. You can download the Jump Rope Tricks Poster for free at the bottom of this blog post
Another note that applies to this entire post (and any of my curriculum ideas) is that if this is your first year teaching at the school and implementing this unit, there’s a good chance the student’s have never had previous instruction on the content. So that means that everyone will be starting at a much lower level. As you continue to teach your kids, their knowledge will grow and you’ll achieve “Vertical Alignment” (a big word that just means what you teach in Kindergarten will lead into what you teach in 5th Grade as students build on prior knowledge)
It’s all connected, but remember that the first year you implement anything (management strategies, teaching philosophies, curriculum frameworks) change will take time… a long time (one of the lessons I was reminded of at the SCAHPERD conference)
The Endurance Challenge
In addition to teaching the single tricks I also let my kids attempt “The Endurance Challenge” each week during our unit. You can see an explanation of how it works in the video below:
It’s pretty simple, glue or tape some paper up on the wall and give kids an opportunity to jump as long as they can. There are a ton of different modifications and even applications of this idea in other units that you might be teaching. It’s a great little way to assess students and also motivate them to set a goal for themselves.
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I normally use this 5 Minute Timer video which I have embedded in my Follow the Leader Slideshow, but I also keep a 5 minute timer video on a USB stick to play on my TV just in case the wifi has issues at my school
Props to Teri Elliott for making her endurance wall look way cooler than mine. This is a classic example of taking an idea and making it way better + using your unique talents/skills to improve it. Check it out in the tweet below:
Paper Bracelets for the 1, 2, 3 Minute Clubs and The Kangaroo Club
A recent update to my unit is giving kids a paper bracelet when they complete any of the Endurance club challenges – I got this idea from the Amazing Barb Borden after I saw this tweet and knew immediately I wanted to incorporate the idea into my unit.
I still need to get a Cowbell ?, but the bracelets were a big hit this year with my students.
I also do a “Kangaroo Club” with my K-2nd students since most of them can’t jump for 1 minute yet and we set goals for consecutive jumps with no mistakes instead of a time limit.
- K – 5 jumps in a row no mistakes
- 1st – 10 consecutive jumps in a row with no mistakes
- 2nd – 15 consecutive jumps in a row with no mistakes
If you want to try out my bracelets – you can download them below
Week 2 – Partner Tricks
To kick off our second week I usually review the Single Tricks from the previous week and go over any tricks that we might not have had time for.
After that I give the kids a chance to try the “Endurance Challenge” as you saw explained in the previous video.
Then we get into some Partner Tricks Jump Rope Tricks.
Details and a demonstration of my 2 favorite partner tricks in the video below:
There are A TON of partner tricks if you just google around you can find more tricks to show your kids if you have time.
Note – I only do partner tricks with 2nd – 5th. With 1st Grade I focus on single tricks and station activities to help them build up their skill level.
Week 3 – Team Jump Rope Activities
During week 3 we do some quick review, hit the Endurance Challenge again and then get into some Team Jump Rope Activities.
1st and 2nd Grade learns how to turn a long jump rope (I use a 10 foot rope) and practice learning different jump rope rhymes.
Consult “Dr. Google” for some jump rope rhyme examples
With 3rd – 5th we play a game called “Run Through School” with long team jump ropes
Rules of Running Through School:
- Turners must turn slow, making big circles and the rope should hit the ground and move AWAY from the line
- Everyone starts in Kindergarten, since Kindergarteners don’t know how to jump rope they have to run straight through the rope
- If you pass K, you are in 1st grade. From every grade going forward you jump 1 time for each grade that you’ve passed (first graders will jump once and then run out of the rope)
- If you make a mistake (miss your jump, hit the rope) – you take a turn turning the rope and the turners get to go to the line and try to jump in
- Note: I also use fake money to help my kids keep track of what grade they are in, if you pass a grade you get one “Landers Bucks”
Week 4 – Stations & Long Rope Tournament
The last week of the unit I do stations with my little ones, Run Through School with 2nd Grade and the 3rd – 5th graders do a Long Rope Tournament called Whirlwind, you can see an example below:
The Thunderstick Challenge
For your younger kids you can play a game called “The Thunderstick Challenge” check out the video below for an overview:
Check out an example of a DIY Thunderstick below:
If you want to use my Jump Rope Trick Chart Poster, you can download it for free below:
Got some ideas I didn’t mention? Leave them in the comments!
If you want to check out our Premium Jump Rope Resources, see more info below
The Jump Rope Resource Pack
If you want to upgrade your unit with some super sweet resources you can get my Jump Rope Resource Pack below (or if your a PE Specialist Member you can download it for free by logging into the Membership Area)
You can see a preview of what’s included in the video walkthrough below:
- Included in the Resource Pack
- 4 Week Unit Plan Sample
- Printable Jump Rope Station Signs
- Printable Jump Rope Certificates
- Create Your Own Jump Rope Routine Worksheet
- Jump Rope Trick Checklist Activity
- Jump Rope Trick Chart Poster
*Please note this is a separate resource from our Follow the Leader Pack, see details below
- If you have a screen in your teaching space you should check out our Follow the Leader technology resource that is a perfect upgrade to this Unit. You can find a link and also the whole process behind creating it below:
More Info On The Follow the Leader Resource Pack (resource overview)
If you want to purchase this resource you can buy it on my Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here, or if you’re a member simply Log In to the membership area and download it in the Unit and Lesson Plan Resources Area.
Take me to Ben’s Jump Rope Animated GIF + Video Resources
Hope that’s helpful and as always…
Megan Laut says
Hello,
How many times should a student be able to consecutively jump rope in 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, etc?
Marcus says
Hey Megan,
According to the SHAPE America Grade Level Outcomes, 1st grades should be able to jump 5 times with a teacher guided rope, 2nd grade 5 times with themselves, 3rd grade should be doing tricks.
In the end, it’s up to you, but we’ve done 5 jumps for 1st, 10 jumps for 2nd, and 20 jump for 3rd in the past.
Hope this helps!
Niki says
Thank you!
Marcus says
You’re welcome Niki!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Jessica van der Voort says
How do you make the thunderstick?
Marcus says
Hey Jessica,
We don’t make our thundersticks anymore. You can find a link to where we purchase them below:
http://amzn.to/2tyOO1n
There is also DIY ones you can make by pulling the rope through a plastic stick and tying it to the stick and ball.
Hope this helps!
fatima says
Thank u so much for helping us
Marcus says
You’re welcome Fatima!
Megan says
Thank you so much for sharing your resources and insight! Jump rope is always one of my favorite units to do with the kids! For the past several years, I have done the bracelets for achieving levels, but I am still searching for the best way to manage it. How do you check to see if your students have earned the bracelet? I feel like I spend the whole class watching students to see if they’ve earned the bracelet that I’m not able to do anything else. Any tips for how to manage that?
Elizabeth Jones says
Thank you for sharing such helpful information in managing and instructing PE classes. I would like to hear more about the quote of the day. You said Joe Fife? Where can I find his pages online?
Marcus says
Hey Elizabeth,
You can find out more information about Joey Feith at the link below:
https://thephysicaleducator.com/
Such an awesome teacher/educator!
Hope this helps!
Carol Briley says
Ben, you and your crew are such an inspiration to the young and the young at heart!! You are an awesome Physical Educator, so ‘thank you’ for what you do, especially sharing your awesome ideas in your newsletters! Keep shining a light for us PE and Health teachers!!
Marcus says
Hey Carol!
Thank you for those kind words!
So glad the resources and newsletters are helpful!
Byron says
Hey Ben
Thanks for the great resources. I was wondering how you manage students with disabilities who require adapted PE. How do you run or include them in your jump rope unit?
Marcus says
Hey Byron,
Great question!
Depending on the student is how our adapted PE structure works. Most of our students have emotional disabilities so we try to partner them with students who can help. They are mainstreamed in with general education students so we include them in the activities we do with our students.
Students we have with physical disabilities, we have them practice with the rope on the ground or we use the Thunderstick activity you see in the blog post.
Hope this helps!
Peter Maxwell says
My two primary pastimes are jump roping and team roping! Sporting goods stores and shops like https://ropingsupply.com/store/ropes/fast-back-team-ropes/ are my go-to places for Jump and fastback ropes! By the way, do you have any recommendations for the best brands? Thank you ahead of time!
Marcus says
Hey Peter,
You can find all of Ben’s recommended equipment and technology tools at the link below:
http://thepespecialist.com/amazon
Below is a link to beaded ropes that have work really well for us!
Beaded Jump Ropes: https://amzn.to/2YGAUvy
Katie says
I have used this resource so much! Thank you a million! If there’s only one adult in the gym, do you have a student turn the long rope with you? Does tying the other end to an object work ok too? Thanks for all you do, and all the wonderful ideas you share!
Marcus says
Hey Katie,
Thanks for reaching out!
We ask for student volunteers for rope turns and we stress how important it is to be a great rope turn. They have the most important jobs!
Tying a rope to a chair or pole can work if students take their time turning the rope. Again having a really good demonstration will help!
nancy genelin says
I used a long bamboo pole and when that broke (after years of use) I got a thin piece of PVC (12 feet long) and sprireled some colorful tape around it. I can switch directions and even lift it for kids to have to duck vs jump…. they love “snake” at the end of a class
Marcus says
Great idea Nancy! Thanks for passing it along!
Chad Brown says
I’m trying to download from the site and it is asking me to pay for the downloads. My membership doesn’t expire until August. Please help.
Thank You
Chad Brown
[email protected]
Marcus says
Hey Chad,
Sorry about the issue with trying to download resources from the site.
As a member you get access to everything we’ve ever created in the membership.
You can get all of the E-books, Unit Plans, Activity Guides, Videos and Trainings (and ever single other resources we’ve ever created) inside the membership area.
You can check out the page below for a walkthrough of how to sign in and get into the members section on the site:
http://www.thepespecialist.com/welcome-to-the-membership/
Once you get logged in you can go here (our Members Home Page): https://www.thepespecialist.com/forums/
We also created a Table of Contents for the Membership with a link to EVERY RESOURCE! You can find it below:
https://www.thepespecialist.com/membershipblueprint/
Lastly, you should’ve gotten an email explaining all of this when you signed up, so we just want to make sure you’re getting our member emails – if not make sure to check your SPAM folder – sometimes we get filtered because of the links. If you find us in SPAM add us to your contacts so you can receive all the member updates.
If you haven’t gotten any member updates and would like to use another email, you can do so HERE (Gmail works great)
Let us know if you have any other issues!
Gina Harnish says
Hello Ben,
Thanks for all of this great information on your jump rope unit. I’ve been teaching elementary physical education for 29 years, but appreciate seeing some new variations and games to add to my jump rope unit. My favorite thing that you offer in your packet is the “follow the leader” videos. It’s really helpful to have the tricks looping from my projector on the wall for the students that need to see the skills, again. It creates two PE teachers – brilliant.
I am wondering if you have a suggestion of where I could purchase a “Thunderstick,” or if I need to make one?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Gina Harnish
PE/Health Teacher
K-8 Students – Molalla River Academy
Molalla, OR
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Gina!
You can find all my recommended equipment and technology tools at the link below:
http://thepespecialist.com/amazon
Check out the link below to purchase the Thunderstick:
Thunderstick Amazon
Hope this helps!
Mark Colter says
I really like the “jump rope” unit you presented in an email. I am interested in purchasing the resource pack and just curious how the information is sent. Also, should I become a member and if the units are part of the membership.
Thank you,
Mark
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Mark,
Thanks for reaching out!
We send the information/resource via email as a downloadable file.
With the PE Specialist Membership, you will have access to all of our resources including Unit Resource Guides. More information can be found at the link below:
https://www.thepespecialist.com/info/
Hope this helps!
Brenda Jolls says
It’s not letting me download the free jump rope tricks poster. Is there any different way you could send it that might be more successful for downloading?
Marcus Nellems says
Sorry about the issue!
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Just search “jump rope tricks”
Courtney Hebert says
Thank you for sharing this information. My student teachers struggle with lower elementary methodology.
Marcus Nellems says
You’re welcome Courtney! Glad we can help! They can also check out of Podcast Page for discussions on best practices as well! I will link it up below:
https://www.thepespecialist.com/podcast/
ella woodbury says
love your videos can you do more of them please.
Mohamed Aweys says
I love doings this thanks ya must be busy
Marcus Nellems says
Thanks for enjoying the resources Mohammed! Keeps us busy for sure!
Sarah says
Ah, thanks! I’m trying to come up with some new PE activities for my 1st grade son who will be at home this year. He previously got frustrated trying to jump rope… the way you’ve broken it down I think he will be more likely to try again!
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Sarah,
Glad you’re able to find use for the resources! Hope they work well for you in distance learning!
scott lejeune says
Ben have you thought about how your jump rope calendar will change? I am thinking about this as jump rope will be a great idea dealing with COVID but schedule will have to change with less double and team jumping.
Ben Landers says
Yep, if you’re allowed to use equipment and can sanitize the ropes or give each kid their own rope throughout the unit that would be a really great activity for social distancing. Like you said I’d probably switch the focus to more individual challenges and individual tricks and less partner/team rope jumping due to social distancing guidelines.
Tony DAVENPORT says
There are so many good ideas in this section. I like the way you teach the different jump roping. I also like the Plickers section, its an easy and quick way to assess our students. There are alot of great ideas in this section.
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Tony,
Glad you’re enjoying the resources. We use Plickers not only for Jump Roping but also for other cognitive assessments.
Paige Oliva says
After 20 years of teaching, I have finally found a QUALITY beaded rope that is very durable! 🙂 The Kanga-Rope (I found in the U.S. Games catalog) is amazing!!! My students are very rough on equipment and I have found that these are tough! I have also put them outside for recess and they have lasted with use on the cement. They are a little expensive but totally worth it! 🙂
Ben Landers says
Awesome – thanks for sharing!
Dan Santos says
I love jumping rope and always taught it to my middle schoolers. By 8th grade my students had to create a jump rope routine set to music in a pair or group of 3-4 jumpers. It was fun to watch what they put together – and very challenging.
Thanks for helping me get started with elementary students – definitely a different level and I needed to dial it way back!
Ben Landers says
Awesome! For sure, glad it was helpful! Hope it goes well
Jill Stubbs says
I would like to purchase the jump rope bundle that you have on TPT. Is that 50% off too? I see it on sale on TPT.
Ben Landers says
Hey Jill! Our whole store is 15% off for Cyber Monday, but TPT might be throwing some additional discounts as well, not sure what they have going on.
Kerry Hall says
How do you assess students to satisfy administrators?
-Kerry Hall
Ben Landers says
Check out our Daily Self Assessment System and also how we do Grades on our FAQ Page – both are linked up on our resources page
Pam says
Hi-Is there another way to buy the jumprope pack-not digital
Ben Landers says
Sorry Pam – we only offer digital products.
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Abby Whritenour says
I’m not sure if there are 2 jump rope resource packets but I bought one off your teachers pay teachers that have the GIF videos and skill list but it does not have the Printable Jump Rope Station Signs, Printable Jump Rope Certificates, Create Your Own Jump Rope Routine Worksheet, or Jump Rope Trick Checklist Activity.
Ben Landers says
Hey Abby, yes there are 2 different jump rope resources:
– Jump Rope Resource Pack, which is on this page (Unit Plan, Worksheets, Posters, Station Signs) basically all the non tech stuff
– Follow the Leader Videos and Animated GIF Slideshows – what you got on TPT (Linked up here)
James Williams says
Hey Ben,
My kids are really enjoying this unit! I’ve coupled the endurance challenge with Jump Rope Ninja(Mike G.) and they absolutely love the choice. We’re getting ready to do long rope stuff next week and I am planning ahead for the Whirlwind challenge. Do you always spin the rope or do you have students do it? How do you decide who is spinning? Thanks for putting your resources out there! I visit your website regularly.
Ben Landers says
Good stuff – jump rope is always a hit over here as well. I normally spin the tournament rope and then kids spin the practice rope. If you make a mistake you rotate in as the turner so everyone gets a turn to jump.
Veronica L Price says
Hi – I am trying to download your jump rope unit. it is not accessing, can you help me?
Ben Landers says
Sorry about the issue
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and cookies and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a another option you can also find this product on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Tricia Van Slyke says
Hey Ben. I want to try to do this whirlwind challenge with my students. I have never done it and from the video I can’t see when the students come in. Do you tell them to come in as the rope is head level? It looks like your kids are jumping through and I want to give my kids an ideal of when to come in in relation to the rope. Also, it looks like you swing it counter clockwise. Thanks for all you do
Ben Landers says
I tell the kids to follow the rope in so as it passes them and hits the ground they should be running in.
Yep, we always swing it the same direction so that it hits the ground and moves away from the line of kids
Tricia Van Slyke says
Love this unit Ben. I also found a video of that same person on Americas’s Got Talent this past summer doing a jump rope routine. I am going to show that as well because she gets emotional and talks about bullying.
Ben Landers says
Awesome! My kids recently told me that she was on America’s Got Talent – so cool. I’ll have to look that one up as well
Danny Lew says
Jumping rope is one of my favorite activities, The cardio really gets me going. Thanks for the awesome suggestions!
Jolene Skordahl says
Where do you order your Thundersticks from? The link I found had them shipped from the UK, and the shipping costs were REALLY high. OR how can I get the directions for the DIY? Thanks!
I purchased this pack and it is AWESOME!
Ben Landers says
Hey Jolene! Thanks for the purchase, glad you’re finding it helpful!
If you want the exact setup I have you can buy a set of jump batons from S&S here: https://amzn.to/2U8vPrT
Then cut one end off and tie a whiffle ball to the end of it… that’s pretty much it, super simple
Laura says
Dear Sir, I can’t down load the free Jump Rope Trick poster???
Ben Landers says
Sorry about the issue, the download is working fine for us.
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
Don Dryden says
We are trying to purchase the Jump Rope resource pack and the red button will not take us to the next step of purchasing.
Ben Landers says
Sorry about the issue.
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, connection speed, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a last resort you can also get it from our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
rachel says
Your amazing !
Traci says
What kind of jump rope do you prefer to use?
Ben Landers says
We use the beaded ropes, I’ve found it’s easier for kids to turn them because they have more weight
Mary Beth says
Can you talk about the kinds of assessment you use in a unit like this? How are you evaluating students & how are they evaluating their own performance?
Ben Landers says
If you check out the Resource Pack Overview you’ll see a few examples of assessments that you could use (jump rope checklist, jump rope routine). Also – the endurance club.
Shari Wenzel says
Each grade level that I have for jump rope is a bit different.
However, I like to do a pre-assessment to determine where they are and to determine their improvement over the course of the unit.
My goal for K is to jump once, 1 – 2 jump 10 forward and learn backward, etc.
I think it is important to make the standards sometimes by the students. I am new this year and they never touched a jump rope before I came so asking older students to do hard jump rope tricks when they can barely swing the rope was not an option.
In three years, my student goals will definitely change as they grow because they will have had more jump rope time.
Ben Landers says
YES! You have to base your unit on previous instruction. The way I plan mine is based on a 6 year program, which each year leading into the next. If you start from scratch you’ll have to tone it down a little, like you said and eventually you can get there.
jeanne Polan says
You are awesome !!, I use so much of your stuff, I am in a 5th-8th middle school.
Thank You!
Ben Landers says
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear you’re using our content!
Jan Jones says
I am interested in your videos to teach individual tricks. I have taught 31 years and my body will not allow me to actually do the tricks as in the past. How do I access those videos?
Ben Landers says
Hey Jan! Currently, they are only available inside the Membership (info here on our Membership Program). But I am in the process of making them available for purchase elsewhere as well – just working out the technical details and trying to figure out how to do it.
Sara Wood says
tweet when those are ready! they look SO GOOD!
Shari Wenzel says
I love this unit! I have found most kids have no idea how to jump rope. I actually introduced it to my preschool students and was able to get them to at least learn how to swing the rope over their head and some were able to jump.
I modified the single rope and did a count, 1, 2, 3, before they had to jump which helped.
In addition, I included station work so I could work with small groups and assess them on their skills while the others played chinese jump rope or practiced another skill.
Ben Landers says
Awesome! Good stuff, I love teaching Jump Rope as well, the kids can see their growth pretty easily too, which is always awesome.
Kara says
Can you recommend a good speed (BPM) of music for beginning jump ropers? Or some specific songs the kids have enjoyed that are the right speed?
Ben Landers says
Honestly, I’ve never even thought about BPM when doing jump rope, I could totally be wrong, but I think it might be too much for kids to think about when they are first learning – it might be overwhelming to try to get them to jump to a specific beat.
In my experience most of the time they just need practice, practice, practice.
If you want to see my music playlists you can go here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/music/
Kara says
Do you happen to know a good speed (BPM) of music to play for beginning jumpers to jump to? Or can you recommend a couple songs the kids enjoy that are a good speed?
Kyle Bragg says
Great work, Ben. I love the videos because I can actually see how it is taught. You have great patience and clear directions. Keep up the great work!
Ben Landers says
Thanks Kyle! Glad it’s helpful
Samantha Nienberg says
Hello,
I am a member but when trying to down load the jump rope resource pak, I am being charge as if I am not a member.
Am I missing something?
Thanks for all you do,
SAM
Ben Landers says
Hey Sam, all the Member Resources are located in the Membership Area – you can login here: http://thepespecialist.com/login