Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a children’s game that is played outdoors. It is popular in parks and school playgrounds. It is believed that hopscotch was first played by children in Ancient Rome. Records from the late seventeenth century serve as the first English records of the game, which was then known as “scotch-hoppers” or “scotch-hop.” Nonetheless, it’s a game that has stood the test of time, which means that your kids are going to have a blast playing it, just as you did when you were a kid. Read on for a refresher of how to set up a game of hopscotch for your children.

Drawing the Court

This can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the game, at least where kids are concerned. Chalk is the way to draw on asphalt, concrete, or patio squares. Use colored chalk for added flair. If your children have never played hopscotch before, show them a template of a traditional hopscotch court so that they can reproduce it outside. Keep in mind that the first three squares are aligned one after the other and squares four and five are parallel. Square six starts a new row above four and five, while squares seven and eight are parallel atop of square six. Finally, squares nine and ten are in a row one on top of the other. Square ten is commonly designated as the end point or resting place. It is usually larger than the other squares. Keep in mind that all squares must be drawn big enough for players to fit one foot inside the lines. Your children may want to put their own spin on the original design.

Players

Hopscotch can be played with any number of players. Your kids can play it alone, in partners, or as a group. Naturally, the rules will change according to how many players are participating. With only one player, try to make a personal record. With partners you can compete against each other. When it comes to larger groups, try having a hopscotch tournament.

Playing the Game

The game begins when a flat stone or small object is thrown and lands on the first square. The stone must land inside of the square without resting on the border or rolling out. If the first player doesn’t get the stone within the lines, it’s the next player’s turn. The first person to get the stone in the first square starts and must hop through the hopscotch course without jumping into the square that has the stone – in this case, the first square. Each square can only hold one foot at a time. It’s up to the player to decide the best way to jump through the course. If at any time a player steps on one of the lines, puts two feet down at the same time in one square, or steps out of a square, she loses her turn.

During the Game

The player is allowed to rest on the tenth square before turning around to complete the course backwards. The same rules apply for going through the course in reverse order, only this time, the player must stop to pick up the stone on the way back. The next player may go after that. Once all players have gone with the stone on the first square, it’s time to do the course with the stone on the second square, then the third square, and so on. The person who completes the course with the marker on each square the fastest – without making a mistake – wins!