This afternoon my 6-year-old wanted to play hopscotch. So we all headed outside and proceeded to draw a hopscotch course on our patio. Once it was complete, my two boys and I all took turns hopping back and forth up and down the course. We did the course with one foot, with two feet, with all left foot jumps, with all right foot jumps, and even tried jumping through it backwards (though it was hard to avoid the lines that way).

We had a lot of fun, and it got us all moving our bodies outside. Jumping and hopping develop physical and mental coordination as well as muscle strength. These sorts of movements, along with the starting, stopping, and bending inherent in the game, help to develop balance skills. Hopscotch challenges and develops both gross and fine motor skills, as well as balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Hopping on one foot requires moving one side of your body while the other side remains still (this is technically called homolateral movement, in case you were wondering). To hop requires complex developmental skills, and it builds both physical coordination and important neural pathways. To hop while simultaneously avoiding stepping on the lines takes this skill a step further by requiring that the child control their physical movements in a very precise manner. Finally, tossing and picking up a small rock to mark your space as you progress mandates fine motor skills as well as eye-hand coordination.

As with any game involving more than one player, there are social and emotional benefits involved with playing. Kids learn about taking turns as well as how to exhibit good sportsmanship.

What’s fun for and elicits joy in kids usually benefits them in a wide variety of ways (see here for examples learning through art, origami, snow mandalas, and making gingerbread houses). Plus, moving is good for everyone – kids and parents both. I don’t know about you, but I don’t find myself with many reasons to hop and leap throughout my day. That said, I had so much fun playing hopscotch with my boys that I think I’ll do it more often. So go outside and play with hopscotch with your kids. You’ll all benefit from it.

You can find sidewalk chalk to draw your own hopscotch course HERE.