Jumping Lily Pads II
Parent and child pretend to be frogs jumping between hula hoops (lily pads), collecting balls and placing them in a bucket. The agent coaches the parent to observe jumping coordination, two-footed takeoff and landing, and directional kicking — building gross motor skills through imaginative play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Five hula hoops or taped circles spaced apart on floor. One small soft ball in each hoop. Bucket or basket placed nearby. Clear, safe space for jumping. Child wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start the frog game! Stand with your child inside the first hoop. Say 'Ribbit! Let's jump to the next lily pad!' Show your child how to jump with both feet together — taking off and landing at the same time. Watch closely as your child jumps to the next hoop. Does they use both feet together? Does they maintain balance when landing? Tell me what you notice about their jumping coordination.
Watch for: Child coordinates both feet to jump forward together, maintaining balance during takeoff and landing.
- 2~35s
Now let's focus on the distance. Have your child jump from one hoop to the next, aiming to land right in the center. The hoops should be about 20 inches apart — roughly two of your child's foot lengths. Watch how your child propels {himself_herself} forward. Does they generate enough power to reach the next hoop? Does they clear the space between them? Tell me about their forward jumping ability.
Watch for: Child jumps forward approximately 20 inches from a standing position, landing within the target hoop.
- 3~40s
Now let's add the treasure collection! When your child lands in a hoop, have them pick up the ball and kick it toward the bucket. Show them how to aim — point your toe where you want the ball to go. Watch your child's kicking technique. Does they make contact with the ball? Does they kick with some direction toward the bucket? Tell me about their kicking coordination.
Watch for: Child kicks ball with intentional direction toward a target (bucket), making purposeful contact.