How it works
Skippers line up at right angles to the rope. Turned so the skippers run with it, the rope swings away from them and each one runs underneath and out the other side. Perfect for Nursery, Reception and Year 1.
skip-hop tipCheck the direction: turners point at the skippers, then move their arms down to start. That sends the rope the right way.
Step by step
- Set up
- The right direction
- Count them in
- Run under
- Keep it going
Lee’s teaching notes for each step, the video and the printable coaching card come with the All-Access Skip Pass.
Teach Under the Moon with the All-Access Skip Pass
Everything a teacher needs to teach this skill to a whole class, from skip-hop coach Lee Collinson-James:
- Setting up: the rope, the turners and where the children line up
- The count-in: “ready, in you go, now”
- Running through with a partner for nervous children
- Spot the fault, with the fix
- A pupil self-check and links to the Yellow Award and the EYFS lesson
£149 a year for the whole school, or 6 months free with the whole-school rope set.
Under the Moon: Yellow Award
Yellow Award: Rope Ready
Part of the Yellow Award test.
To pass, a pupil:
- Runs under a turning long rope (Under the Moon)
- Hops five times on each leg (without a rope)
- Holds the handles of their own rope and swings it over the head
- Swings, stops and jumps their own rope 5 times (not continuous skipping)
Also a related skill for the White Award.
In the scheme of work
Where this skill is taught in the skip-hop scheme of work.
- EYFSLesson 4: Under the MoonReady, Steady, Jump! · Reception
- EYFSLesson 6: Award day: White and YellowReady, Steady, Jump! · Reception
What you need
One rope of a Double Dutch pair is just right for Under the Moon. skip-hop ropes are designed specifically for the skills shown on this site.
SEND and inclusion
Make it work for everyone
Ideas for pupils with SEND, and for anyone who finds Under the Moon hard. Change one thing at a time.
What usually makes it hard: Knowing when to run.
- CommunicationThe turner says “go”, or taps the pupil’s shoulder.
- PeopleAn adult runs under with the pupil, holding hands.
- EquipmentA slower, higher turn.
Seated or no-jump version. Wheel under the turning rope. Turners stand wider apart and make a high arc.
An adapted pass is still a pass on the Skipping Awards. Use your own judgement and each pupil’s care plan. More in SEND and inclusion at skip-hop. Pupil struggling to get started? Try Lee’s tips for pupils who are struggling to skip.