How to Play Hopscotch

Hopscotch was one of my favorite games as I was growing up it is played all over the world. It is played by kids as young as 4 or 5 years old, and it helps them with learning how to count. This game has very few rules, and is very easy to play. Kids can play it alone or with friends. Its always more fun with playing with friends.

Here are some steps on how to create Hopscotch Squares:

Draw the hopscotch design on the ground. There are different variations but you can use your favorite design. I use chalk it is best for drawing on asphalt, or on concrete. The squares should be large enough so that when landing on one foot, and to make sure that a stone or marker thrown into the square it will not bounce out too easily. While there are variants on drawing the design, one simple design consists of:

• 1. single box numbered 1;
• 2. boxes (side by side, atop number 1 square) numbers 2, 3
• 1 single box numbered 4
• 2 boxes (side by side, atop number 4) numbers 5, 6
• 1 single box numbered 7
• 2 boxes (side by side, atop number 7) numbers 8,9
• 1 semi-circle atop number 8 and 9

Hopscotch squares should be about 18" - 24" per square. for younger kids it should be a little smaller.

How to Play Hopscotch

The first player stands behind the line to throw hers/his stone or marker in square 1. Hop over square 1 to square 2, and then continue hopping to square 8, turn around, and hop back again. Pause in square 2 to pick up the stone or marker, hop in square 1, and out. Then continue by throwing the stone or marker in square 2. All hopping is done on one foot unless the hopscotch design is such that two squares are side-by-side. Then two feet can be placed down with one in each square. A player must always hop over any square where a stone or maker has been placed.

A player is out if the stone or marker fails to land in the correct square, the hopper steps on a line, the hopper looses balance when bending over to pick up the stone or marker and puts a second hand or foot down, the hopper goes into a square where a stone or marker is, or if a player puts two feet down in a single box. The player puts the stone or marker in the square where he or she will resume playing on the next turn, and the next player begins.

Tips:

• A flat stone is recommended as a throwing marker but you could subsitute with other things, including a button, chain, small beanbag, or a plastic toy.
• Do not attempt if you lack balance, you can fall.
• You can use masking tape to make the hopscotch layout if preferred. It will lift up easily and is good to use for an indoor game.
• Number 10 (the semi-circle shape) can be designated a "rest area" if you would like to have a break from hopping. This should be decided between players before starting the game.