How to Jump Rope With Rhymes

Choose simple rhymes that the kids can chant rhythmically to keep time as they jump. Start beginners off with poems that they already know by heart like "Pat-a-Cake," simple nursery rhymes like "Jack Be Nimble" or songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep."

Use short rhymes that will end with the kids practicing the alphabet or spelling words. Try something like, "Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Pie. Give me the initial of the person you like." After the last word, have the kids jump "red hot pepper" speed and recite the alphabet as they jump. The letter that they "miss" on is allegedly the first letter of the person's name that they have a crush on.

Help older kids practice their addition or simple multiplication drills by devising rhymes that end with them jumping and counting (such as reciting all of the multiples of 2 or counting up by 2). Hold a contest to see which child can go the longest without either stepping on the rope or not being able to come up with the next number in the sequence by the next jump.

Consult a list of classic jump rope rhymes that children, parents and teachers have created over the years if your kids are tired of coming up with their own. (See Resources)