Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a simple game that kids have played for a very long time. You draw numbered squares on the ground with chalk. Then you toss a small stone and hop through the squares on one foot.

How to Play

First, draw a hopscotch pattern on the ground with chalk. Number the squares from one to ten. Toss a small stone onto square one. Then hop through the squares, skipping the one with the stone on it.

Hop on one foot for single squares and land with both feet on side-by-side squares. When you reach the end, turn around and hop back. Pick up your stone on the way. Then toss it to the next number.

History of Hopscotch

Hopscotch is one of the oldest games in the world. It may have started with Roman soldiers who used it to practice footwork. The courts they used were over 100 feet long!

Today, kids play hopscotch in almost every country. The rules are a little different in each place, but the fun is the same. All you need is chalk, a stone, and a flat surface.

Fun Facts

• Hopscotch may be over 2,000 years old.
• In France, hopscotch is called "marelle."
• Some hopscotch courts have been found carved into the floors of ancient Roman buildings.

Did You Know?

Roman soldiers are said to have run hopscotch courses in full armor to build strength and balance!