Jumping for preschoolers: 60 exercises for gym class
You teach preschoolers to jump by starting with two-foot jumps on the spot, then adding direction, height and safe landings through play. This series offers jumping activities for toddler and preschool gym. It is for teachers who want to develop leg strength, coordination and confident landings.
60 video steps · preschool-jumping
Step 1 of 60, free: Jumping 1
The phases
- Two-foot take-off: push off with both feet together and swing the arms.
- Landing: land on two feet with bent knees and stay standing.
- Direction and distance: jump forward, backward, sideways and over small objects.
- Rhythm and coordination: combine jumps in sequences and with music or patterns.
- Hopping: build toward one-foot hops and alternating legs.
Before you start
Suits toddlers and preschoolers from steady walking age to about six; younger children start with stepping down and small two-foot jumps.
Common mistakes
- Landing with stiff legs: hard, unstable landings.
- Taking off from one foot when two are asked: jumps look like steps.
- Obstacles too high or too close together: children trip or lose rhythm.
- Long queues: little practice time per child.
Coaching cues
- Feet together, bend and jump
- Land like a soft cat
- Arms up, jump high
All 60 steps
- Jumping 1
- Jumping 2
- Jumping 3
- Jumping 4
- Jumping 5
- Jumping 6
- Jumping 7
- Jumping 8
- Jumping 9
- Jumping 10
- Jumping 11
- Jumping 12
- Jumping 13
- Jumping 14
- Jumping 15
- Jumping 16
- Jumping 17
- Jumping 18
- Jumping 19
- Jumping 20
- Jumping 21
- Jumping 22
- Jumping 23
- Jumping 24
- Jumping 25
- Jumping 26
- Jumping 27
- Jumping 28
- Jumping 29
- Jumping 30
- Jumping 31
- Jumping 32
- Jumping 33
- Jumping 34
- Jumping 35
- Jumping 36
- Jumping 37
- Jumping 38
- Jumping 39
- Jumping 40
- Jumping 41
- Jumping 42
- Jumping 43
- Jumping 44
- Jumping 45
- Jumping 46
- Jumping 47
- Jumping 48
- Jumping 49
- Jumping 50
- Jumping 51
- Jumping 52
- Jumping 53
- Jumping 54
- Jumping 55
- Jumping 56
- Jumping 57
- Jumping 58
- Jumping 59
- Jumping 60
Frequently asked questions
When can toddlers jump with two feet?
Children develop at different rates. Many start bouncing with both feet around age two and gradually leave the floor with both feet. Offer low, playful jumps and let each child progress at their own pace.
How do I keep a jumping class safe?
Use soft landing surfaces, keep obstacles low, give enough space between stations and teach landing early. Small groups or circuits reduce waiting time and collisions between children.