MV T4.07Jumping Down from a Low Step
The child jumps with both feet from a low step onto a mat, landing on both feet with the knees bent.
Age 2–3Work 7 of 9 in Walking, Climbing, and Balance
Safety
- The step is stable and non-slip, and the landing area is an impact-absorbing mat, never hard floor.
- One child at a time on the step and landing area.
Presentation
- 1
Place the step on the floor with the mat in front of it. Check it does not slide.
- 2
Stand on the floor. Bend your knees and jump up in place with both feet, landing with the knees bent.
- 3
Invite the child to jump in place with you.
- 4
Step up onto the step, face the mat, bend your knees, and jump down, landing on both feet. Both feet leaving and landing together is the point of interest.
- 5
Invite the child to try. If they ask, hold one hand the first times, then let go.
- 6
One child jumps at a time; the next child waits until the mat is clear.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Jump down from the step without holding a hand
- Jump forward along the floor with both feet
- Jump down from a step up to 25–30 cm high onto a mat
Control of error
The landing: if the feet leave one at a time or the knees stay straight, the child stumbles or lands hard.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Jumps in place with both feet off the floor
- Jumps down from a 10–15 cm step and lands on both feet
- Waits for the mat to be clear before jumping