Hopscotch Patterns
Childrens Games
 Hopscotch patterns childrens games have been around since the earliest of times. While the basic idea remains the same, there are many variations to the original game. Plus, why not create your own?
Hopscotch was originally developed as a military training exercise for Roman foot soldiers. The course was over 100 feet long, and similar to the course our modern-day football players use for their "tire drill."
Today, our school playground has hopscotch patterns childrens games painted on a concrete surface - but there are many ways to design your "court". Kids can use chalk to add a colorful pattern to the sidewalk or driveway, or tape can be used to avoid being washed off during a rainy day.
My kiddos have their own "lucky" rocks to toss into the hopscotch squares. Their friends use beanbags and other assorted items such as good-luck pennies and bottle caps.
Wondering how to play Hopscotch? Patterns are however you want to design them, with hopping in mind! Here are some basic reminders:
- Each player starts with a marker.
- The first player tosses his marker into the first square.
- The marker must land completely within that square, without touching a line or bouncing out. (Otherwise, the player loses a turn.)
- The squares are straddled, and the left foot lands in the left square, the right foot lands in the right square.
- If a player steps on a line or misses his square, he forfeits a turn.
- Single squares must be hopped into with one foot.
- "Safe" squares give players a moment of neutrality!
- When the player reaches the end of the pattern (or court), he turns around and hops back through the court, moving through the squares in the reverse order.
- The player picks up his marker on the way back.
- The sequence is played over again, and the first one to complete all of the numbered squares without faltering gets to put his initials in the any square and so on.
- Other players cannot hop into the initialed squares, so it can get pretty tricky!
No sidewalk or driveway to draw a Hopscotch pattern? Not to worry! You can use a piece of plastic tarp, or better yet, you can buy carpeted versions of hopscotch patterns childrens games to keep your youngsters entertained!
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