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Practice games

Cushion Stepping Stones

Jump from cushion to cushion holding a toy, landing on two feet, then hop back.

At home 5 min 1 to 2 players Indoors Garden With a grown-up Under 5s and 2019 to 2021

Moving Well Be brave

At a glance

  • Lay 4 sofa cushions in a line on carpet or grass, a small jump apart. Your child holds a soft toy.
  • Your child jumps from cushion to cushion without touching the floor, landing on two feet on each one.
  • They count one, two on every cushion before the next jump. Coming back, they hop beside the cushions, one leg, then the other.
  • Progress 1: Lay the cushions in a zigzag, so each jump changes direction.
  • Progress 2: Scatter the cushions and point to the next one each time, so your child has to look and jump to it.

If it's not working: Close the gaps so your child can step across instead of jumping.

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Four cushions in a line, a small jump apart. Your child holds the toy and jumps from cushion to cushion without touching the floor, landing on two feet on every one and counting one, two before the next jump. Coming back, they hop on one leg, then the other.

Full details: set up, how to play, tips

Set up

  • Lay cushions in a line, a small jump apart.

Indoors on carpet only, or garden grass.

How to play

  • Your child holds the toy and crosses without touching the floor.
  • Land on two feet on every cushion and count one, two before jumping on.
  • Coming back, try hopping on one leg, then the other.
  • You try it too, and cheer every brave jump.

Make it easier

  • Close the gaps so your child can step across instead of jumping.
  • Put the toy down at the far end so both arms are free for balance.

Make it harder, step by step

  1. Lay the cushions in a zigzag, so each jump changes direction.
  2. Scatter the cushions and point to the next one each time, so your child has to look up and jump to it.

Three things to say

  • Land on two feet and count one, two before the next jump.

Colts habit

Be brave, every jump.

Both feet

Hop back on one leg, then the other.

Heads up

Look at the next cushion before you jump.

For your birth year

Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.

Under 5s
Push the cushions close enough to step, not jump, holding a grown-up's hand. Walk back instead of hopping.

Safety: Carpet or grass only, never on wooden, tiled or laminate floors, where cushions slide. Clear hard furniture edges nearby. Bare feet or grippy socks.

My best

Crossings with no floor touches. Last time and this time. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.