Grade 2 Movement Activities Locomotion Skills – Leaping Notes

Movement Activities — Locomotion Skills

Subtopic: Leaping (Umati: Kuruka)

What is Leaping? (Ila: Maana)

Leaping is a big jump where we push off the ground with both feet, go forward in the air and land on both feet. It is different from hopping (one foot) and running (small steps). For age 7, leaping helps build big leg muscles, balance and confidence.

Key Points to Teach

• Start with a short run-up (1–3 steps) — this gives power.
• Push off with both feet together (use your toes and knees).
• Arms swing forward to help you go up and forward.
• Look ahead — not at your feet.
• Land on two feet with knees slightly bent to absorb shock.

Simple Teaching Steps (Hatua kwa Hatua)

1. Warm-up: walk, jog and stretch legs (3–5 minutes).
2. Show model: teacher performs one slow leap and explains arms and legs.
3. Practice standing jump: jump forward from two feet to two feet, no run-up.
4. Add one or two small steps and then leap forward.
5. Practice landing softly with knees bent and hands ready to balance.
6. Repeat with markers (stones, cones) set a little further each time.

Activities & Games (Maactivity ya Kujifunzia)

• Mango Jump: Place paper mangoes or bottle tops on the ground. Children leap from one mango to the next.
• River Stones: Use flat stones or mats as stepping stones. Leap across the "river" without touching the floor.
• Gazelle Race: Short race where each child must leap three times in a row before tagging the next.
• Distance Challenge: Mark a start line and measure how far each child can leap safely. Celebrate improvements.

Equipment (Vifaa) — cheap and local

Mats, small flat stones, bottle tops, rope for a start line, cones from tins — use grass or soft ground (avoid stones that can roll).

Safety Tips (Usalama)

• Check ground is flat and free of sharp stones.
• Use grass or mats for landing when possible.
• Make sure run-up path is clear of other children.
• Teacher watches each child and stops activity if a child looks tired or hurt.

Learning Outcomes for Age 7

• Can push off with both feet and land on both feet.
• Can use arm swing to help the leap.
• Shows better balance and control when landing.
• Can leap over small obstacles (10–50 cm) safely.

Assessment Checklist (Tathmini)

For each child, tick when they can do the skill:

• ○ Uses two-foot take-off
• ○ Arms help the jump
• ○ Lands on two feet with knees bent
• ○ Keeps eyes forward while leaping

Teacher Tips (Mwalimu)

• Give clear, short instructions. Show and let children copy.
• Use praise: "Good leap!" and specific feedback: "Bend your knees more."
• Allow practice in small groups so each child gets many turns.
• Link to local movement: ask children to "leap like a gazelle" or "jump over the river stones".

Prepared for Kenyan Class (Age 7) — Movement Activities: Locomotion Skills