Hop in Order

What You Need:

• Index cards or blank paper cut down to card size
• Markers

What You Do: 

1. Get out 5–10 index cards (or small pieces of paper), and write either letters of the alphabet (lowercase or uppercase), numbers (e.g., between 0-20, 100-150, etc.), or sight words on each card.
2. Choose a spot—either inside or outside—where there is enough space to move around without knocking anything over.
3. Place the cards on the ground in order (such as alphabetical or numerical) and far enough apart to encourage mid-size jumps.
4. Invite your child to start at the beginning and hop to the end in the given order or sequence, reading each card aloud. For older kids, you can give them math problems for them to solve (e.g., have them hop to the sum of 5 + 5) or practice reading skills by laying out words that create complete sentences.

Get creative and use different areas around your home and incorporate different movements for subsequent rounds (e.g., tiny hops, jumping on one foot, walking backward). Invite your child to take part in the planning for siblings or other family members, and consider playing as a family!