Skipping games and rhymes have been featured in children’s play for hundreds of years and in countries all over the world. Skipping is believed to have originated when rope-makers were forced to jump over strands of hemp as they twisted them together. When I see children skipping in the playground, there is a never ending stream of rhymes both new and old; children’s faces are filled with smiles and laughter, whilst lunchtime supervisors merrily join in. Skipping is one of those activities that is inclusive of everyone – young, old, athletic and not so – it seems to bring joy to all
involved and is of minimal financial cost to schools.
Sadly, during my years of running ‘Positive Playtime’ Training courses in schools a frequent cry from teachers and lunchtime supervisors has been that children don’t know how to play with a skipping rope or the traditional skipping rhymes and games we used to play. With many children playing less outside due to the appeal of computer games, fears of stranger danger and busy roads, what was once a familiar site in most neighbourhoods and schools across the country, seems to have diminished. In fact I frequently see ropes in schools, wrapped around children’s waists and used to play ponies, not what they were intended for!
I believe there is a role for us in reigniting children’s love of skipping and in teaching the traditional games and rhymes, which can then be passed down to the next generation and not be forgotten.
Traditional Skipping Rhymes
There are hundreds of rhymes with new ones or new variations being added all the time, but the really old traditional ones still continue to be used and many of these are featured in my book 101 Playground Games. Some rhymes are obviously products of an older tradition, recited with little
understanding but enthusiastic actions:
I am a Girl guide dressed in blue, these are the actions I must do: Salute to the King and bow to the Queen, and turn my back on the washing-machine.
– still surprisingly popular considering that the last King of England died in 1952!
The rhyme is recited to the rhythm of the skipping and actions performed for each line – salute, bow, and turn round completely.
I encourage teachers to teach skipping skills and games once a term in their PE lessons. Initially, I suggest they teach children how to skip solo, this gets them warmed up learning some basic skills. The good thing about skipping is that it can be taught simultaneously to people with a range of
abilities and allows different abilities to shine because of its non-competitive nature. All children can strive for their personal best; so everyone succeeds in their own way. Once children have learnt basic skills they can then learn more complex moves that require greater agility and skill. Children also love the long rope games, many of these can be taught in groups in the playground. You will find that students enjoy learning new tricks which they love to show off to their friends.
Like any equipment, a skipping rope needs to be introduced and rules enforced as to how it’s used. It also needs to be cared for and stored in a safe place. In some of the schools I have consulted with, they invite a trainer like me or a professional skipper to run skipping workshops. He/she trains a few students during the afternoon, teaching them skills and tricks and then the whole school is invited to see a performance. After school many students take up the opportunity to join in further skipping workshops. Schools find these days are such a success that skipping fever hits their playgrounds and they are swarming with children skipping for months afterwards.
Benefits
There are many benefits to children skipping, most notably the physical activity it offers. Child obesity levels are rising with the current statistics showing that of children attending reception class (aged 4-5 years) during 2011-12, 9.5% were obese. It is therefore imperative schools encourage exercise, and skipping is an ideal activity to suit all capabilities. The British Heart Foundation’s ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ campaign is aimed at highlighting the health benefits of skipping. The events began 27 years ago and have had over 25,000 schools and youth groups sign up. Hazel Mackie, an event organiser says, “As well as being a great deal of fun I believe that skipping improves fitness and acts as an antidote to playground problems such as bullying.” The British Skipping Association also points out that it is an activity not only suited for recreation, but also for a cardiovascular workout. This combination of an aerobic workout and coordination building footwork has made rope skipping a popular form of exercise for many athletes. Peter L Lindsay and Denise Palmer’s research further highlights that in many respects traditional games are more beneficial to children’s health (for example their cardio – vascular endurance) than formal syllabus games.
In addition to the physical benefits of skipping, participation in skipping as a group or individually with others aids inclusion for all children, encourages a purposeful playtime and helps combat bullying. There are obviously many additional health and wellbeing benefits and these are just a few:
• increased muscular strength
• greater flexibility
• improved coordination
• strong bones
• children playing co-operatively in organised spaces
• increased emotional wellbeing
• opportunities for socialising, building social skills and developing friendships
• the promotion of children’s learning, imagination, creativity independence and interdependence
• fun and joy
• the development of confidence and self esteem
• stress reduction
Skipping can also improve your skill:
• better timing and rhythm
• improved balance
• improved agility
So sing, have fun and get that heart pumping, here’s to a happy winter of skipping!