Lily Pad Leap
Frogs leap from lily pad to lily pad around the pond. When the coach calls "heron", every frog needs a pad of its own. Musical chairs with jumping.
Overview
You need
HoopsOptional: Spot markersOptional: Music player
Skills developed
- Locomotor: leaping, jumping in different directions
- Spatial awareness: finding a free pad
- Reaction: responding to a call
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Scatter hoops across the space as lily pads, one per child plus two spare. Flat spot markers work too if you have them.
2Step 2
Every frog starts on a pad. Coach is the heron, at the edge.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Frogs leap from pad to pad, never stepping in the pond (the floor).
- "HERON!" Every frog freezes on a pad. Anyone in the pond hops three times on the spot and carries on.
- Remove a pad every round so they have to share (two frogs to a pad is fine).
Tips for explaining
"Squat, then spring." Bend low before the leap.
"Land on the pad, not past it." Aim to stop, not to fly.
Make it easier / harder
EasierPads close together. No pads removed.
HarderLeap backwards. Leap only to pads of a called colour.
Safety
Hoops slide on smooth floors, so use flat hoops or spot markers indoors. No pushing for a pad: two frogs can share one.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.