GM.E.113 JUMPS IN PLACE UNAIDED, FEET APART

This requires a stronger spring (and hence stronger calf muscles) than jumping off a block. It is more demanding than jumping over a rope (as in GM.E.111) because the child must now land with her feet in unison, though they may be wide apart.

How to Assess

Method: Ask your child to jump, demonstrate if necessary. Score plus if your child jumps, unaided, with 2 feet in unison. Her feet may still be wide apart.

How to Teach

You will need to provide some support at first, as your teach your child to jump on the ground with her feet in unison.

Stand your child facing a hip-high support such as a small chair or coffee table. Allow her to lean forward onto the support, with straight arms. Lift her slightly from the hips as she attempts to jump, to allow her to feel the required movement. Remind her, if necessary, to bend her knees before she jumps.

Gradually bring her hands closer to the edge of the support, so that she is taking less weight on her arms and more on her legs. Then encourage her to jump without any support.

You can also try standing in front of your child, holding her hands. The higher you hold her hands, the more she will pull on your hands, rather than pushing on her legs. You can start with your hands high to make it easier for her, but remember to lower them gradually as she gets the idea. Finally, withdraw your support altogether and see whether she can jump alone.

You could use a Jolly Jumper to help your child learn to jump. You may need to lengthen or strengthen the supporting ropes. Place the jumper at a height at which the child’s knees are bent when her feet touch the ground. The spring to which the jumper is attached will enhance the power of your child’s jump and help a little push to go a long way.

Note that the Jolly Jumper should be used only under supervision. The child must not be left dangling in it for long periods, as this bouncing up and down could become a self-stimulating movement. Use the jumper only until your child is able to achieve an assisted jump, pushing off with her feet. Once she can do this, she is better off practising on her own.