When the youth programs supervisor told me she wanted to do an after school program called Spinners I was intrigued.
“Spinners? Is that where you spin the paper and drop paint on the paper making cool designs.”
“No Curt, it’s a jump rope program.”
“Huh? You want kids to jump rope for an hour of after school programming?”
“Exactly. They’ll do different types of jumping, double dutch and partner jumps, and they’ll learn tricks. Believe me, the kids will love it.”
“You’re outta your mind. I bet not one kid signs up for that program.”
2 WEEKS LATER
“Hey Curt, Spinners is full and it was the first after school program for 1st and 2nd graders to fill up this season.”
“Show me.” She showed me. “I can admit when I’m wrong. Good call. I never would have believed it.”
Check out the video below of the Shasta Skippers and then go and start an after school jump rope program.
Shasta Skippers from Sacramento Bee on Vimeo.
Could you tell me a little about the logistics implementing this ‘Spinners’ program? I am working to put together something that outlines how Jump Rope programs can be implemented inplaces other than school physical education classes. Any and all details that you are willing to share would be fantastic!
Thanks!
Bear,
We do a very basic after school class. The instructor brings out ropes and leads the kids in some jumps. It’s funny, the kids know more jumps than the instructor does. They do jump roping during p.e. class.
The kids love it and do all sorts of jump competitions amongst themselves. These are mainly 1st and 2nd graders.
We are looking into putting together a competition team and when I have more info on that I will post it here.
-Moose
would you be so kind, and send me program for begginers, to try to do that with the kids in our school in Croatia, Europe. Thank you!
Irena,
Since I wrote this post we have modified our Spinners after school program. Half way through the session many of the kids lost interest in jump roping. So we implemented other things that spin. We still offer the Spinners class but now we’ve added Frisbees and Hula Hoops to the mix. Adding these activities have made all the difference in the world. The kids really enjoy the program.
However, I still feel that a competition jump rope club would do great, especially with the older kids (ages 10-14). Here are some resources that you may be interested in:
http://42explore.com/rope.htm
http://www.buyjumpropes.net
http://jumprope.com
http://www.ropeworkjumprope.com
http://www.jump-aerobics.com
http://www.skip-hop.co.uk