Everyone can get involved in recess with October’s game of the month: Helicopter. In this active playground game, students are challenged to jump over a jump rope “propeller.” But the hopping doesn’t stop there; students that get hit by the propeller must complete five jumping jacks to get back in the game. Helicopter gets kids hopping and having fun in no time!

 

Who: Kindergarten through grade 5

Players: 20+

Time: 15+ minutes 

Where: Small playground

 

EQUIPMENT:

  • 1-2 jump ropes

 

SET-UP:

  • Students form a circle

 

HOW TO PLAY:

  • Make a circle.
  • This jump rope is the helicopter.
  • Jump over the helicopter every time it comes near your feet.
  • If the helicopter touches your feet, step back and do four lunges.
  • Rejoin the game.

 

FOR UNDERSTANDING:

  • What do you do when the helicopter comes near your feet?
  • What happens if the helicopter touches you?

 

GAME TIP:

  • Have students take over as the helicopter, but make sure they keep the jump rope close to the group and on the ground.

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION TIP:

  • Have students who get touched spin the jump rope.

 

INDOOR TIP:

  • Have more than one game going to decrease waiting time.

 

REP IT OUT!

EASY: Use one jump rope.

MEDIUM: Use two jump ropes.

HARD: Jump on one foot.

 

Check out more active recess games from Asphalt Green's REP team: