Young children love the challenge of trying to jump and land over a rope. Even children as young as three years of age can learn the movement patterns involved in swinging the rope and jumping at the appropriate time. By age 5, most children can turn the rope and jump several times in a row.

A jump rope 7 feet long with plastic beads along its length is
the best type of rope for young children. The plastic beads give the rope extra weight to help children swing the rope over their heads. A longer rope tends to tangle; a shorter rope is difficult for children to get over their heads.

Following is an example of what the teacher might say to the young child to assist them with the initial steps of learning to jump rope.

1. Hold the rope by the handles, one in each hand. Hold the handles with your thumbs pointing down.


2. Hold the rope out in front of your body.


3. Step over the rope.


4. Bend your elbows up close to your ears.


5. Move the arms forward and swing the rope over your head.


6. Let the rope hit the floor.


7. Jump over the rope, taking off and landing on two feet.

Note: Some children will not be ready to jump over the rope and should be instructed to simply step over the rope. Jumping will come later. At this point the most important factor is that the children learn how to turn the rope.