A child with a physical disability (even a child with crutches, in a walker, or in a wheelchair) does not have to be left out of jump rope fun. The first step is to have more than one jump rope on hand. One may be used for kids who can jump rope in the traditional way. Other jump ropes could be used as outlined below.
Have adults turn the rope.
Perhaps your child's gross motor skills are close to those of other, "typically developing" kids. If so, consider having adults turn the rope. They can choose a good pace and be watchful to stop if the jumper has difficulty.
(Note: Gross motor skills are those that involve big muscles. Jumping, running, walking, dancing, and climbing are a few examples of gross motor skills.
Tape a jump rope flat on the sidewalk. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, adaptive PE teachers, and special education teacher often use this technique. After the jump rope is taped securely, let your child enjoy "jumping" over the rope. In this case, the jumping may be actual jumping or possibly stepping over the rope.
A child in a wheel chair could roll over the rope. Older, severely handicapped children who are working on crawling could do that.
For a fun challenge, try taping several jump ropes to the sidewalk in a parallel pattern like a ladder. Soon all the kids in the neighborhood will want to jump the rope course!
Use the same practice skills and catchy chants as other children use. Jump rope time is a great time to talk, chant, or sing. If you are looking for ideas in this area, read my first article.
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Note: All children in this article are fictitious and represent general characteristics of the disability. Activities represented here are ideas. Parents (not the author) are responsible for choosing an appropriate activity for a particular child and for the consequences of that activity.
© 2006 Lynn Moore No portion of this article may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the author.
