Target-square hopscotch
Plan an outward-and-return route that skips a target square and retrieves its marker.
Lower primary · about 6–9 · Rhythm & movement · Shape & spatial thinking · Logic & rule checking
- Players
- 2–4 per lane
- Plan for
- 10–15 minutes
- Bring
- Per lane: adult-approved non-slip floor marking for six large numbered single squares and one large flat soft marker. Printed page is a diagram ONLY.
30 pupils: ten groups of three; only supervised clear lanes operate, others plan at seats. One mover per lane.
Prepare
Adult marks six large squares in a straight line, numbered 1 to 6 from the start. Check dry non-slip surface, clear landing spaces and suitable gaps. Never put printed A4 sheets on the floor to step on. Warm up with a slow practice route. Adult decides if jumping is appropriate; no backward hopping.
Play
From the start, gently toss a large flat soft marker into square 2; if it lands outside, place it in 2 without penalty. Move forward through the other squares, skipping 2 entirely. At 6 turn around to face the start. On returning to 3, stop securely and retrieve the marker from 2 before moving to 2, then 1 and out.
Example
Target 2: outbound 1,3,4,5,6; turn; return 5,4,3; retrieve from 2, then 2,1,start. Use controlled forward hops only if the adult approves the distance and landing. No score for a longer leap.
Finish
Complete one safe return, then rotate mover, marker placer and observer. If balance is lost or the lane is entered, pause and restart or switch version. Cooperative success is explaining and completing a suitable route, not avoiding all mistakes.
Adapt
Walking version: step normally between squares and walk around target 2 using a marked side bypass; never demand a long step over it. Seated version: point through the printed route and lift the marker with a hand. Clearly name the version; these do not assess hopping.
Purpose and provenance
Activity aim: Plan an outward-and-return route that skips a target square and retrieves its marker.
Practice opportunities: Remembering a target and coordinating a controlled sequence; planning can be demonstrated without jumping.
What adults can observe: Observe route choices and pauses, not athletic ranking. Stop if the gap or balance demand is unsuitable.
Mechanism and our adaptation: PartyPageKit classroom adaptation of a common activity mechanism. The earliest inventor has not been established; the linked references are identified separately by the editor.
Reference: Playworks — Hopscotch — Related target-square skipping and return retrieval rule; our six-square soft-marker version includes separate walking and seated alternatives, without racing.
These are planning aims and observable actions, not measured lasting gains. The reference is not an endorsement or a test of our adaptation.
Free material alternatives: Use an existing safely marked playground court; seated version uses a hand-drawn six-box route and a large paper marker.
Buying links: reserved; no purchase is required.
Printable materials
Preview at 100% scale, with browser headers and footers off. Cut with suitable help. Keep host keys separate. Use only the pages needed for the chosen version; oral and movement activities may need no printing.
Route diagram ONLY · never stand on printed paper
Adult marks a safe six-square court on suitable ground. This small diagram is for planning or a seated pointing version only. Target is 2. Outbound: 1,3,4,5,6. Turn at 6; return 5,4,3; retrieve marker from 2, then 2,1,start.
Route planning and version record
Circle the version: controlled forward hops / side-bypass walking / seated pointing. These are different movement tasks.
| Outbound order | Return and retrieval | Pause / change needed |
|---|---|---|
| ________ | ________ | ________ |
| ________ | ________ | ________ |
| ________ | ________ | ________ |
Teacher instructions and key · keep separate
30 pupils: ten groups of three; only supervised clear lanes operate, others plan at seats. One mover per lane.
Per lane: adult-approved non-slip floor marking for six large numbered single squares and one large flat soft marker. Printed page is a diagram ONLY.
Use an existing safely marked playground court; seated version uses a hand-drawn six-box route and a large paper marker.
Preview one copy. Print only required player pages; keep this teacher page out of player packets. Give children the choice to watch, pause or use the described adaptation. These are activity practice opportunities, not measured developmental outcomes.
For target 2, the jumping route skips it outbound and retrieves before entering it on return. Never require backwards hopping, a long unsupported reach or an unsafe gap. In walking mode a marked side bypass avoids the target without a long step. Adult ends or changes any unsuitable route.