Do you remember playing Hopscotch? This old favourite is actually a very educational activity and a fun way to learn to recognise numerals with games. It is very easy to recreate at home as well – all you need is some space, chalk or tape.
Children learn mathematical awareness, numeral recognition and rote-counting. This is a good accompaniment to the Montessori Mathematics curriculum being taught in school.
Hopscotch also helps with bilateral coordination, developing body control and learning balance.
All that jumping and hopping helps to strengthen gross motor skills and spatial awareness, whilst playing with friends helps build social skills such as interacting with each other, listening skills and cooperative play. Plus, it’s great exercise!
Children also learn gameplay and how to follow rules. On that note, here’s a simple refresher for how to play the game of hopscotch.
Hopscotch Game Tips:
· It is usually best to identify a flat surface for the court. On a hot day, you might also consider finding a spot with some shade.
· Chalk or washi tape are a great way to diagram out the court. If you’re playing with young children, show them the hopscotch pattern or diagram on the paper, but let them draw it out.
· Make sure the squares are big enough for feet to fit in them.
· For younger players, consider having them hop through the squares without having a marker to pick up.
· Speaking of markers, do you remember using five stones to play? Find some to play with for a nostalgic feel!
· Adults provide some initial direction, but let children work out disputes independently
Tips adapted from adapted from here
There are lots of ways to vary play, let the children be as creative as they want to be! Here we can see the children at House on the Hill Hollandse Club playing hopscotch with hula hoops.
Have fun playing together, and enjoy this blast from the past!
