Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Create a stencil from the cardboard by measuring and cutting it to the size of one of the hopscotch squares. The size of the square will vary according to the age of the players, with smaller squares for smaller children. The Kids Games website recommends squares between 18 and 24 inches on a side.
Create a handle for your cardboard stencil by folding a length of duct tape in half widthwise so that it is sticking to itself. Leave the ends of the duct tape unfolded so that you can attach it to the back of the cardboard stencil, creating a handle. Use this to lift and place the stencil.
Sketch the hopscotch layout on paper to plan how you will paint the board. Hopscotch board layouts vary from a single file of eight numbered squares, requiring single-foot hopping throughout the entire game, to a combination of single, double and triple squares in a row. One pattern begins with a single row for squares 1 through 3, followed by a double-square row for 4 and 5, single row for square 6 and ending with a double-square row for squares 7 and 8.
Select the area for the hopscotch board. Depending on the size of the squares, the board will be between 12 and 16 feet long and 3 to 4 feet wide. Add in extra space for a resting square at one end and space to stand at the beginning.
Prepare the area according to the instructions on the paint you will be using. With most paints, you will need to clean the area using an appropriate cleaning product. Read the instructions on the paint before cleaning to avoid using a cleanser that will interfere with the adhesion of the paint.
Mark the first square of the hopscotch board by placing the cardboard stencil on the ground and tracing it using the carpenter's pencil. Based on the template you've chosen, reposition the stencil to the correct place to mark off the next square and trace again. Continue creating the hopscotch board in pencil until it is completed. By creating the board in pencil first, you will avoid any errors regarding placement before applying the permanent paint.
Repeat the process using the paint to create the permanent board. Because the pencil marks will be thinner than the paint, they will not be visible on the final board. Be careful when moving the stencil to avoid smearing the paint.
Paint numbers in each square to finish the board. You can purchase number stencils if desired or draw the numbers freehand. Once the numbers are added, allow time for the paint to dry, according to the manufacturer's instructions, before playing on the new board.